Cinderella Castle provided a majestic backdrop for the taping of PBS special
Jim Brickman at The Magic Kingdom: The Disney Songbook featuring Yamaha artist
Jim Brickman and his skillful artistry on a
CFIIIS concert grand piano. The enchanted evening at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. showcased Brickman's talent as a performer, composer, recording artist and personality.
Special guests
Linda Eder, Michael Bolton, Lila McCann and
Wayne Brady joined Brickman on the show as they performed selections from his latest CD
Jim Brickman: The Disney Songbook. The special is airing on PBS stations throughout the country until the end of the year.
"It was really incredible having a chance to be in that environment, with the nine-foot piano on stage, in front of the Castle. It was like a dream come true," says Brickman.
He chose the CFIIIS, because "in concert it's a grander sound. I find that in certain theaters it takes up the stage in a grander way."
A strong supporter of public television, this was Brickman's third starring appearance on PBS television specials, and he is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.
In
The Disney Songbook Brickman brings an exciting new sound to the classic Disney musical library with fresh interpretations of beloved cinema songs and also two dynamic original songs.
"I've always been a huge Disney fan growing up and thought the album would be a great chance to interpret it. It's a wonderful tribute to the Walt Disney legacy," comments Brickman.
Tracks include favorites such as "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Beauty and the Beast," "Some Day My Prince Will Come," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" and "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." The original song "Beautiful," co-written by Brickman and sung by Emmy-nominated TV star Wayne Brady, was inspired by the DVD release of the beloved Disney animated feature
Cinderella.
Other artistic collaborations on "The Disney Songbook" feature the uplifting "I'm Amazed" with vocals by country recording artist Lila McCann, R&B artist
Kimberley Locke's emotional performance of the heartfelt "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," the touching ballad "Baby Mine" sung by
Kassie DePaiva of ABC-TV's
One Life To Live, and fast-rising country music star
Josh Gracin's bouncy spin on the charming "When I See an Elephant Fly."
Next Brickman will be setting sail on his first ever "Jim Brickman Valentine Cruise" for a week of music and romance in the beautiful Caribbean. While at sea on the Carnival Ship Valor, fans will enjoy intimate concerts, parties and time with Brickman and his special guests. The cruise departs from Miami and travels to the Bahamas Jan. 29-Feb. 5. Brickman will then hit the road on a U.S. concert tour throughout the spring. His CD
The Disney Songbook is in stores now.
