"CHRISTMAS IMPROMPTU" is contemplative music for a season that is typically anything but calm or thoughtful. Christmastime always brings along with it festive music, pop songs and merchandizing jingles. There is lots of hustle and bustle as we scurry to buy, wrap, cook, clean, and generally focus on external things. But how often do we experience the sweet, quiet joy (dulci jubilo) of God’s promise fulfilled in a newborn? Do we sit down with family or friends and read the Christmas narratives? Do we take time to actually thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son? It is hoped that this recording may foster such devotional moments. In addition, these improvised renditions of favorite carols are for time spent sipping eggnog around the lighted Christmas tree, or with a good book and hot chocolate by the fireplace, or even for a family ride in the car to see the countryside and colorfully decorated houses. These are among my Christmas memories; you undoubtedly have your own. The music on this disc is not arranged, it is spontaneous. It is not great art nor does it pose as such. The idea for it grew out of the previously released Impromptu recording and people asking if there might be a Christmas album anything like it. I hope you enjoy these moods and reflections on the season and its compelling subject—-our Saviour, Jesus Christ." Paul S. Jones served as Organist and Music Director of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia from 1998-2014. His musical studies began at the age of five in the Toronto Conservatory program. He holds graduate degrees in piano and conducting from Indiana University School of Music where, as a doctoral fellow, he studied with esteemed pianist and pedagogue, Menahem Pressler, and was recipient of an Arts Grant in conducting from The Canada Council. As a pianist, Dr. Jones has collaborated with violinist David Kim, cellist Anne Martindale Williams, duo piano partner Samuel Hsu, and Metropolitan Opera stars Jerome Hines, Sharon Sweet, and Stuart Neill, as well as other artists of renown. He is author of "Singing and Making Music: Issues in Church Music Today" (P&R, 2006), and is a regular church conference speaker and clinician. Dr. Jones is president of Paul Jones Music, Inc., a corporation of composers who write new music for the 21st century church (www.pjonesmusic.us). Jones has composed or arranged more than 200 sacred works including "Hymns for a Modern Reformation" with the late James Montgomery Boice and "Hymns of Prayer" with Eric J. Alexander, of Scotland. NOTE: Bookstores/Distributors should contact Paul Jones Music, Inc. directly for wholesale rates. pjones_pjm@comcast.net