Release Date: November 7, 2025
Label: Independent
Christmastide, also known as the Twelve Days of Christmas, is a sacred and joyous season in Christianity. It begins on December 25 and lasts until January 5, culminating in the Feast of the Epiphany. It is a time for celebration and deep reflection on the profound significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Neil Patton, in a joyous musical tribute to the festive season of Christmastide, has released Gloria-Piano for Christmastide. The title ‘Gloria’ signifies the joy and celebration of the Christmas season. At the same time, ‘Piano for Christmastide’ indicates that the album is a piano-focused musical journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The lighthearted warmth and spiritual depth that Neil Patton’s album brings are a source of joy and inspiration, making it the perfect soundtrack for the festive season.
This is instrumental holiday new-age piano music. And once you start playing the opening track, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” you recognize that this is no ordinary or traditional type of recording. And honestly, for my ears, that is precisely what I like to hear this time of year. The improvisation and enough familiarity, mixed in, are essential for that spiritual, memorable connection you had as a child into adulthood.
That is what you will hear on the following track, “Joy to the World.” The classical leanings, with their structured and refined musical elements, and the traditional melody, a familiar and beloved tune, come together in a short burst of musical tones on the keys. It all falls together nicely, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. All the elements of improv, holiday sounds, and melodicism intersect for two minutes and forty-eight seconds of pure joy.
“Still, Still, Still” perfectly reflects its title. At a slower tempo than what you heard previously, Neil keeps a timeless melody alive and balances the composition’s flow with his talented fingers. Stillness is a space in time and consciousness brought to life via the excellent piano.
“What Child is This” features Cathy Patton on flute, adding a unique and enchanting layer of sound to the piano composition. The combination of piano and those two instruments creates a mystical and magical soundscape. Around mid-point, the piano takes flight in this most beautiful and uplifting way: such a lovely melody and clever improvisation.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is one of the more recognizable tracks. Its unforgettable melody, and the piano’s answer to the call, musically explore different branches of the tree. The playing is classically influenced, with notes hitting your ears with a sense of joy and warm energy, all with precision.
“The
Christ Child Lullaby” is a slow burner done with the passion and grace one
would expect in a lullaby in this context. The grace is in the keys’
announcement of love for the baby Jesus, and the passion is in the belief that
this individual is the one and only savior of mankind. The melodicism that is
held onto so strongly in these tracks maintains the original spirit and
meaning, and that fact alone should bring light and joy into any Christian’s
heart. The music calls to your inner spirit from start to finish.
“Gabriel’s Message” features Cathy on Flute and Piccolo. This additional layer of sound carries a resonant tone very different from the piano; however, it is wonderful, adding a special touch to the melody and the track’s spiritual nature. The piano’s flow complements Cathy, and that is echoed back to the piano in the same way.
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” rings so true to my ears. Certain songs hit the heartstrings differently, and this is one of them. I remember going to midnight mass with my family as I got old enough to stay awake for it. Before that, it was morning masses. Because of these songs, I have eternal memories stowed away in the melodies. It is a time so far away, literally, but so close because of this music.
“Emmanuel (God With Us)” marks Cathy’s last appearance on the recording. And, notably, this is an original composition by Neil. This is a step away from the traditional sense of this album; however, it takes a new musical path, while remaining spiritually strong and meaningful. The combination of gorgeous piano melodies and the flute is stunning. The classical underpinnings remain strong in Neil’s approach.
“Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” begins with some fast-moving chords, then it breaks for a few seconds to a slower tempo, then back again. This is a transitional piano piece with a lot of melody, and the classical influences shine brightly. The torch burns brightly for those who appreciate instrumental piano music!
“Silent Night” is a fitting classic end to a recording dedicated to Christmastide. This is yet another composition that sparks my inner child and spirit. I must thank my parents for instilling that in me at a very young age. Although the church is no longer the institution it once was to me, it was critical in shaping the person I became. The piano sings so softly and sweetly that you can feel that the heart of this artist is permeated in every note. Such a beautiful curtain closer.
Neil Patton has created a special celebratory recording with Gloria-Piano for Christmastide. It will hold meaning for so many people. The music is superb, and its meaning goes beyond what words can say, which is precisely why this is instrumental —it works from start to finish.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder
November 7, 2025
Tracks:
01. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (5:09)
02. Joy to the World (2:48)
03. Still, Still, Still (4:11)
04. What Child is This (3:59)*
05. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (3:54)
06. The Christ Child Lullaby (5:26)
07. Gabriel’s Message (2:58)*
08. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (3”55)
09. Emmanuel (God With Us) (4:03)* **
10. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (2:38)
11. Silent Night (4:49)
* Featuring Cathy Patton on Flute, Piccolo
** Original Composition
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