I’ve played many private and public events throughout my career, and the holiday season is notably true. I’ve participated in a room bedecked in pink, a white grand piano, and ornaments of all persuasions nearby. Oh, and a steady stream of young ones curious about the individual behind the keyboard and copious gifts under a nearby tree.

I’ve also played on pianos with negligible life left - a challenge to summon the heart to answer to the moment. Yet, through it all, I’ve enjoyed playing the music most connected with the holidays. I’ve been the music director for CBC’s Sounds of the Season, and the neglected ornament stowed in a corner near a draughty door. It’s what comes with working for a music living.

As the gigs take place, I still love the music. The melodies endure and persuade us to stop and reverse direction, slow down and consider the season.

With this selection of six solo piano pieces, I tap into that side of me that adopts the solitude, the stillness, and grace of gifted days. These songs in five plays are much the same as I would play in the corner of a person’s home or at home with myself. Beauty is everywhere. To pause and close one’s eyes is the pleasure of life.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Winter Wonderland is part of that playbook. Sweet melodies. Blame It on My Youth—a piece I played for Oscar Peterson for the Royal Occasion in 2001 at the Royal Conservatory, which frightened me to no end. Oscar sent me a letter complimenting the performance. I didn’t mention, all blood had escaped my fingers, leaving them weak and near useless. I’ll Be Around? The title says it all. I first heard George Shearing play behind a scrim in 1963 in my home area. I was so taken with his warm-up I never forgot. In the ’90s, I interviewed the master and mentioned, and he responded, “Oh yes, I remember that night—I played it in A.” Wow.

Virginia, Don’t You Weep. Recalls those conversations I had with my great-grandfather, who was born during the Civil War, and the suffering of women who lost fathers and sons. Stephen Foster was the composer of the times. Foster’s songs bore the scars of intolerance, ultimately set the tone for rustic melodies. Complicated emotions in three notes or less.

Dim the lights. Close the eyes and join me in the quiet lane for the holidays.
Bill King