Customer Reviews

Blessed Quietness - A Collection of Hymns, Spirituals and Carols

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I'm fifty-four, am tired of the malls, of the madness, and of the materialism--you know, the Christmas-in-America thing. What I want and need are those tender mercies that this season affords, those blessings that sometimes get lost amidst the shop-'til-you-drop frenzy.
Cyrus Chestnut's cd is all you need for this season or any season. It speaks directly to the soul, with spirituals such as "Walk with Me, Jesus" to a starkly simple "Silent Night" to the title track. Cyrus is in no hurry; he lingers over these tunes, massages the keys, and produces music that is sweet, fragile at times, and always affirming.
A cd for all seasons from one of jazz's most original and soulful young talents.
Don't rush to the store. Order on-line. It's crazy out there.

A year or so ago, I was watching a TV show where Kathleen Battle was being interviewed. When asked what she would be listening to during the holidays, she mentioned Cyrus Chestnut. With this kind of endorsement, I knew I had to hear this musician, and when I lcoated the CD with the wonderful name of "Blessed Quietness", well........! This is a beautiful CD and with its inclusion of spirituals and hymns as well as carols, it need not be put away after the holidays. It is good for an evening of blessed quietness whatever the time of year.

It is a wonderful thing when the skill in a musician's hands is wedded to affection for God in his heart. Cyrus Chestnut brings that powerful combination to the keyboard, and it is most evident in this recording.

_Blessed Quietness_ has it all: boisterous exultation in God's glory, quiet adoration of God's beauty, thoughtful contemplation of God's love, pleas for God's mercy and help, playful frolics in God's joy. That Cyrus Chestnut can say all this so clearly through a piano says a lot about his hands, mind, and heart. Listening to him play is a distinct pleasure.

Lest non-Christians think, based on what I've written so far, there isn't anything here for them, I will say this: there's plenty of flat-out good jazz here that anyone can enjoy. The devil doesn't have all the good music, you know. And if this recording is any indication, God still has the very best music.

Cyrus plays with a combination of touch, passion and grace. These inspired songs put me right where I wanted to be, in touch with the Almighty. Having seen him live in New York last year, it was even better in person.

Thanks for sharing!

I can say without hesitation, this is the most beautiful collection of hymns, carols, and spirituals I've ever heard. Cyrus Chestnut once again proves his wide ranging talent.We have a Christmas ritual now to turn on the tree lights, turn off the house lights,and play Cyrus for Christmas.This one reaches your heart and soul like no other.

Through his mega-talented fingers, Cyrus breathes new life into each song represented here. This collection of music is both relaxing and engaging to listen to at the same time, depending on what your mood happens to be while it's playing.

Note: the only instrument on this entire body of work is the piano...period. But with Cyrus, trust me; that's more than enough! You will be amazed at these arrangements, and the piano is used to bring out each and every nuance, even ones that you might not expect. It also helps that the sound quality of this recording is top-notch, also.

"Blessed Quietness" lives up to its title, and will water your soul. Thank you Cyrus, for this spiritual and artful masterpiece.

Cyrus Chestnut is the real deal. He can pound the keys but has a great touch. Saw him at Iridium jazz club last year, with George Benson and Mark Whitfield-- he is great live, and this CD is great too. Chestnut's take of 'Silent Night' alone is worth the CD.