Magical Music - An Interview with Jim Brickman
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TS: There's a real nice mix of genres on the album such as R&B and country. Not to mention a mix of classic and contemporary tunes. Was it a consious decision to mix it up a bit?
JB: I've always had a bit of an eclectic nature on my albums. I don't think musical styles have any barriers and I've always mixed styles such as country, smooth jazz, and R&B on one album without the feeling that you couldn't do that. I also wanted to have a bit of variety because I was hoping it would reach multiple audiences. Families can enjoy it, couples might find some songs romantic, and little girls might be inspired by the Princess songs. It was challenging though, because you don't want to try to be all things to all people.

TS: How did you choose the songs?
JB: The label encouraged me to do as many familiar songs as I possibly could on this first outing. Of course the typical artist in me wanted to include more rareities, but in all fairness I think they were right. The whole point of doing the album was my version of classics, not songs that no one is familiar with. I wanted it to have variety, but I didn't want it to be all over the place either. I wanted it to have some thread, and that thread was my style.

TS: Were you consious of the fact that this album might help you find new audiences?
JB: Of course! I'm very fortunate that I have a very loyal following and my songs get played on the radio. But my genre of music isn't exactly mainstream. Even though I've sold 5 million records, it's a very core base that appreciates the simplicity and romance of the writing. Projects like this help widen the audience that I know is out there.

TS: You had the opportunity to work with Wayne Brady. What was it like to work with him? Is he always the funny guy?
JB: He's actually very smart and quiet. And interestingly enough, he doesn't say a lot. But when he does it's really funny and it's usually dry. That's sort of my humor as well. A bit back-handed and irreverent. I like that a lot.

I always like to make unususal and eclectic choices in my guest singers. I thought it would be a little obvious to call Celine Dion, because she's done (similar projects) already. I try to make the less obvious choices because I feel the need to bring my audience an eclectic mix of guest artists.

TS: This year is Disneyland's 50th Birthday. Are you a Disneyland fan?
JB: Actually I'm originally from Cleveland so I've been to Walt Disney World more often and I've been going there a lot lately. I've only been to Disneyland a handful of times, and although I live in Southern California, I'm never actually in California! I'm way more traditional and nostalgic when it comes to my favorite rides. I'm a fan of rides like Peter Pan, or Dumbo, or the Mad Tea Cups.

TS: You filmed a new PBS television special in conjunction with this album. Can you tell me a bit about it?
JB: It's called Jim Brickman at the Magic Kingdom, and it's absolutely breathtaking. I've done two concerts with PBS before, but this one is really glorious. I'm very proud of it and I can't wait for you to see it. It will be airing throughout November and December, and there should be a listing on my website of exactly when and where.

TS: Any final comments?
JB: I'm just looking forward to people checking out the album and enjoying it and spreading the word. We'll also be doing a concert tour across the country to celebrate the new album. Hopefully everyone will come and see us do our stuff live during November, December, March and April. Again, the details are at www.JimBrickman.com.

TS: Thanks Jim. You've found a new fan in me!
JB: Thank you!