Pianist Jim Brickman invites a Salt Lake City audience to "pretend I'm over at your house for dinner and I'm playing you a few songs." This casual introduction is followed by 75 minutes of beautiful piano playing in a style that incorporates New Age, jazz, and pop influences. Brickman's solo piano pieces are romantic and impressionistic (his inspiration stemming from a contemplation of personal relationships) and his playing wonderfully emotive. Joining Brickman are singers Olivia Newton-John and Donny Osmond, and saxophonist Dave Koz--a mix that lends a nice variety to the show. Especially effective are Osmond's performance of "The Love of My Life" and Newton-John's "I Honestly Love You." Brickman also makes his vocal debut with a pleasingly mellow timbre on "The Love I Found in You" and "Star Bright." Some critics bemoan a similarity of sound in his pieces, citing repetitious arpeggio playing over predictable chord progressions, but fans counter that that repetition defines Brickman's unique style. While this DVD and the compact disc of the same name are both based on the PBS special, it's worth noting that the song selection does vary between the two. Snuggle up by the fire with a loved one, grab a glass of wine, and spend the evening with Jim Brickman--you won't be disappointed. --Tami Horiuchi
