With his first new album in over six years, Jim Hudak takes his piano playing and musicianship to a new level. "Embracing Winter" captures both Christmas and the winter season in ways rarely seen on traditional "Christmas albums." Playing piano on every track, Jim also provides guitar, synth, and rhythm, and even sings on the final track, a lovely original titled "Remember The Child." As usual, he brings in guest artists who add bass, percussion, harmonica, and trumpet to several of the tracks. There's just enough familiar Christmas music on this album to keep it cozy, but the more obscure songs, mixed with several of his own original compositions, are what make this record both interesting and compelling. Embracing Winter has great pacing and flow. The music goes from uptempo to reflective and back again in seamless fashion. Favorite tracks include "Sleigh Ride," "Wait For December," "The Chipmunk Song," and "I Wonder As I Wander." The aforementioned "Remember The Child" has already been added to playlists on numerous radio stations around the world. Give Embracing Winter a try. You won't be disappointed.