Christian Sands

At only 32, sophisticated jazz pianist/composer Christian Sands is arguably the leading jazz pianist of his generation. This former child prodigy – who began lessons a four years old and gigging at seven – has more than lived up to his early promise. He has appeared on over 30 recordings, including nine as a leader, garnered Grammy nominations and rave performance reviews, amassing a body of work that rivals established veterans twice his age. Christmas Stories is Sands’ fourth release as a leader for Mack Avenue, following Reach (2017), Facing Dragons (2018), and the Grammy-nominated Be Water (2020).The celebratory album is a spirited mix of cherished memories and new inspirations, blending timeworn traditions with unexpected surprises. The way that Sands weaves together strands from the past into a vibrant new tapestry is evident from the outset on Christmas Stories. The album begins with one of the holiday’s most well-worn chestnuts – “Jingle Bells” – transformed into a raucous blues built on the regifted swing of Miles Davis’ “All Blues.” Jimmy Greene’s fireplace-warm tenor tone is a perfect fit for the classic “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!