With the holidays approaching, and as short-tempered shoppers and drivers start amassing in numbers, the addition of talk radio, heated political debates, and more bad news of unemployment, the economy and sex scandals can take a toll on even the most light-hearted. For many, a responsible alternative to “alcohol consumption,” and holiday depression, is Christmas music.

Research has shown music to have a great impact on us, with the ability to change and enhance an individual’s mood. Major lawsuits against bands and record companies have “proven” through the legal system that music and lyrics can be responsible for all sorts of behaviors. Other studies have shown that music may even raise an individual’s IQ.

But much of the Christmas music can sound the same. A walk through the mall reveals a typical sampling of pumped-up, pounding pop covers of Christmas Carols, designed to generate more frenzy, more shopping and more sales.

A refreshing alternative can be found in the solo acoustic piano album “Christmas Time At The Piano,” available on iTunes. Pianist/composer Sam Sorensen has created an intimate, live performance, using state-of-the-art equipment. His interpretations of Mannheim Steamroller and Vince Guaraldi Christmas arrangements have been refined to perfection.

In these tender renditions he captures a euphoric vibe similar to artists such as Enya and Loreena McKennitt. His pianistic skills are honed to impart the simple beauty of the arrangements, and lead one to transcend the mundane. A real remedy to the rush of Christmas traffic and easier on the nerves than inflammatory talk radio.

Enjoy the talents of Sam Sorensen, a world-class pianist, while driving in your car, or in the privacy of your home – a little ambience for your holiday festivities. Share the gift of Christmas cheer. Pass along an antidote to “mellow out” holiday stress.

Slow down and smell the mistletoe.

The article Christmas Music: Drug of Choice from Sam Sorensen appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.