Brickman romances audiences with piano stylings

Evan Dyson / contributing photographer Pianist Jim Brickman played Thursday night to a crowd of adoring fans in Wilson Auditorium.

Wilson Auditorium was filled with the sweet and romantic sounds of the pianist Jim Brickman on Thursday night. Brickman, a popular pianist and songwriter, made a successful first appearance at JMU with his concert entitled "An Evening of Romance with Jim Brickman," which was sponsored by JMU’s Masterpiece Season Encore Series.

Brickman began his career writing commercial jingles and has grown to become America’s new romantic piano sensation. Now he is famous for his ability to blend contemporary pop style with classic romantic piano in his original compositions and performances. With 10 albums, top hits on the Billboard New Age chart and a Grammy nomination, Brickman is a well-respected musician who showcased his talents at JMU before a receptive and welcoming crowd.

After opening with an upbeat song called "Remembrance," Brickman set the relaxed tone of the show by talking and joking with the audience early on. He provided humorous stories and background on each song HE performed. He also introduced HIS longtime friend and singer Anne Cochran, who sang alongside Brickman to the many of his popular songs with lyrics. Cochran was a wonderful addition to Brickman’s already remarkable talent.

With an elegant and beautifully lit backdrop, he performed songs with great passion, from old albums as well as his upcoming album, "Grace." Though most of his songs are original compositions about romance and love, Brickman also played a few selections from "Grace," which he explained was based on hymns and inspirational songs he interpreted.

Before the 20-minute intermission, Brickman hit a mellow and touching note by playing two songs called "Hero’s Dream" and "Peace" in honor of U.S. soldiers around the world. He explained that the songs were used in Operation Care Package, sponsored by USO to send care packages to the troops in Iraq.

After intermission Brickman performed more songs off his new album, including a memorable rendition of "Amazing Grace" with a blues rock feel. Brickman and Cochran debut a song from the new album called "Hear Me," a beautiful and powerful song with deep lyrics about tough times in life. They lightened the mood by following the song with a question and answer segment that got the audience involved.

Toward the end of the show, Brickman played a collection of pieces from his most popular love songs, including "Love of my Life," "Destiny" and one of his most well-known songs, "Valentine." Brickman beautifully interlaced each song and flowed continually to the next as Cochran sang along. While still playing passionately, Brickman showcased his talent further by joining Cochran in singing many of the songs.

After escorting Cochran offstage, fans were delighted and cheered as Brickman returned to the piano to play the closing songs "Angel Eyes" and "Simple Things." Cochran returned to the stage to sing "Simple Things" with Brickman, which ended the concert on a refreshing note.

The crowed clapped and cheered as Brickman exited the stage. After two hours of beautiful music and love songs, Brickman proved his talent as a musician and his ability to perform and entertain a crowd.