Pianist Jean Hilbert of Waverly has been performing and recording her own music for the past 12 years. Now, she is releasing her first Christmas album with the Christian singing group Reflections. The work, entitled Awesome Night, includes 11 original works and Hilbert’s arrangements of two traditional Christmas songs, Joy to the World and White Christmas.

“This was truly and awesome experience”, says Hilbert, whose previous albums include Heaven’s Dance and The Edge of October, as well as Living in His Grace, which features Reflections.

“I am grateful to Reflections and nearly a dozen other Cedar Valley musicians who helped create this celebration of the Christmas season and other joys of life.

The CD showcases the piano talent of Hilbert and the vocal stylings of Wade Brinkopf and Jeff Reynolds. Brinkopf and Hilbert founded Reflections in 2000. Reynolds, formerly of the Reynolds Brothers, joined the group in 2001. They have performed at retreats, rallies, luncheons and outdoor concerts, including an appearance at Waverly’s 2006 Heritage Days celebration. At a series of concerts entitled “The Gathering,” they invited other groups to join in an evening of Christian music. They also provide special music at churches throughout Iowa and surrounding states.

Awesome Night was produced by Tom Tatman and recorded at Catamount Recording studios in Cedar Falls.

“We feel so fortunate to work with Tom”, said Hilbert. “With a gold record and two Grammy nominations to his credit, he is someone we know we can count on for great advice and topnotch production.”

Hilbert balances her work as a composer and performer with a full-time job at GMAC Mortgage in Waterloo. She also serves as music director at St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly. She has been the featured soloist at a VIP reception for Bill Cosby and performed at several other events at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls. She has played for the Bremwood Have a Heart Ball, Junior Achievement Heart Ball and Kinetic Energy Dance recitals and has performed benefit concerts for Agape Christian School and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her instrumental music has aired on easy-listening radio stations throughout the country.

Violinist Christopher Vuk, who performed on two of Hilbert’s previous albums and in several of her concerts is also featured on Awesome Night. Other area musicians performing on the CD include Nikki Gamble, vocals; Jim Dreier, drums/percussion; Jon Schwabe, bass; Mary Grey, violin; Adam Mellem, viola; Jonathan Chenowith, cello; Duncan Bamsey, alto saxophone; Jeff Burak, guitar, Linda Moeller, French horn; and Ed East percussion. In addition to piano, Hilbert also plays soprano saxophone on the album.

Awesome Night sells for $15. It is available at Meyer’s Pharmacy and Gordon’s Music, Waverly; The Wild Rose, Sumner; Debut Art Gallery, Cedar Falls; Evan-Kaiulai Fine Art and Framing, Waterloo, or by contacting Hilbert at jean@hilbertmusic.com.

To read about what people are saying in letters about Jean's music, please click on any of the links below.

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