Originally from Oshkosh, WI, Jeffrey Cornell took tap lessons as a kid. He moved to LA at the age of 19 to begin a dance career, and ended up dancing in films, TV specials, Las Vegas, and Nightclub acts. He was in the first national tour of 42nd Street, opening New Year's Eve in Chicago, 1983. He transferred into the Broadway company of the popular show in May of '84.
Jeff wrote his first Christmas song ("Christmas Wishes") for his company Christmas party in 1985. The song was sung on stage at the Majestic Theater by his dear friend Beth Leavel (who also transferred in from the National tour.) When he moved back to LA in the summer of '86, he started writing more.
Through the years, the Christmas songs have been sung in nightclub acts, churches, concerts, and stage shows.
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What turns a Christmas song into a classic? Firstly, the music & lyrics become instantly recognizable. Secondly, it triggers in the listener an image or memory of real happiness. Third, it immediately makes him want to sing along. Actor/dancer Jeffrey Cornell's Everything Christmas, his personal collection of original compositions through the years has a few such future classics... like listening to the score of a Broadway show, there's a big, dramatic pulsating orchestral sound...and, the lyrics are uplifting, infusing you with peace, heart and love, feelings that only Christmas can generate.
The album's wonderful music arranger is Kirk Hunter and features the vocal talents of both seasoned and up and coming performers like David Burnham, Michelle Duffy, Derek Klena, Daniel Tatar, Pat Whiteman among others.
Highlights include: the dramatic spirituality of "Christmas Angels" performed so solidly by Michelle Duffy, "The Christmas Light" sung by Tom Lowe, "It's Truly Christmas Day" essayed by Julie Garnye, the warmly happy "Somewhere Beyond the Snow" sung with boyish charm by Derek Klena, the beautiful "Christmas Grace" conveyed warmly by David Burnham, "I'm Counting on Christmas" with vocals by Katy Tang, and Cornell's very first composition "Christmas Wishes" with Daniel Tatar.
It's truly special when a new album of original Christmas songs hits the airwaves, especially one in which it is obvious from the getgo that the composer truly loves the season. Every note and lyric reflect just that, as Cornwell shares abundantly his own personal hope and joy that are Christmas.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dianebrownanddavidburnha
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