by Thomas Burr | Washington Correspondent

Washington • Noted Utah pianist Paul Cardall will join 11 other performers at the unveiling Wednesday of the National Christmas Tree near the White House. 

Cardall, who has just released his new album “Christmas,” will play a composition of “Silent Night” with the Army Blues, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army Band. 

“It’s a great tribute to Utah,” Cardall said Tuesday as he prepared for a practice on the Ellipse just south of the White House. “We have so much talent in Utah and so many of us are able to be on a national stage, and it’s really a good representation of all the talent that exists out there.”

Cardall, whose music ranges ranges from religious to New Age to classical, will perform in front of a large audience at the event where President Donald Trump is expected to speak. A recording of the lighting ceremony will air Sunday at 8 p.m. MST on Ovation TV and the Reelz Channel. 

The Utah musician will be joined by the band LOCASH, Spensha Baker, Gabby Barrett and Matthew West, among others. 

This year’s ceremony is the 96th event where presidents have gathered to throw on the lights to start the Christmas season. The main tree, which is permanently planted just outside the White House gates, is surrounded by 56 other smaller trees representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. 

Cardall says one the special parts of the event is that it’s sponsored by the National Park Service and is nonprofit, meaning it highlights the nation’s most idyllic vistas.

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By Court Mann @TheCourtMann 

Published: November 26, 2018 9:00 am Updated: Nov. 26, 2018 9:54 a.m.

SALT LAKE CITY — Nashville was never on Paul Cardall’s radar. The classical crossover pianist, who grew up in Millcreek and stayed in Utah, thought of country and bluegrass when he thought of Nashville. It didn’t seem like the place for him. 

“But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that it’s better to be led than to be driven to success,” Cardall said.

He and his family have lived in Nashville for two years now, after a road trip through the city prompted him and his wife to make the move. (They still keep a home in Draper.) Their experiences in Music City led to Cardall’s next big gig: performing at this year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 28. 

For the event, now in its 96th year, Cardall will be joined by the U.S. Army Blues, a longtime blues brass band composed of U.S. Army members. They’ll perform a special rendition of “Silent Night” that Cardall arranged specifically for the show.

“This is a German piece, a classic from Franz Gruber, but this is very American-sounding,” he said. “I wrote it specifically for the Army band, but integrate my style and my sound. So it’s going to be fun.” 

The show comes on the heels of Cardall’s latest album, “Christmas,” which recently debuted on nine different Billboard charts. According to Cardall, “Christmas” was two years in the making. He enlisted Jim Daneker, a longtime composer and producer for Christian artist Michael W. Smith, to helm production duties. The result, Cardall said, is “not what I thought of two years ago. It’s so much more.” 

Cardall hopes “Christmas” will break him more fully into the Nashville market. Over the years he’s developed a robust following throughout the United States and abroad, “but the southern United States has always been a challenge, to get my music into the homes of these wonderful people that live here,” he said. “For whatever reason, I haven’t been able to reach into those homes.”

Not that Nashville only cares about country music.

“There is so much energy here, and it’s not just music,” he explained. “There is a surge of people coming to this city for many reasons. But it’s different from L.A. and it’s different from New York in the sense that there’s a hospitality here. And not everybody is from here. So if you can mentor somebody, you do. And so many people have come in and out of our lives here, it’s unbelievable.” 

He recently performed at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, which has been open since 1892 and housed the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, with lauded gospel singer CeCe Winans. Cardall remembers that road trip to Nashville, when he and his wife felt they needed to move there. 

“And we weren’t exactly sure why,” he admitted. 

Now, it seems, Cardall is starting to find out.

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By Randy Lewis  | Nov 23, 2018 | 3:00 AM

The spirit of inspiration runs stronger than usual through this year’s batch of new holiday music collections, with fresh melodies and lyrics in some of the best. Veteran country singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, Oklahoma recent arrival JD McPherson, the long-running Nashville, Tenn.-based genre-defying band the Mavericks and Texas’ barnstorming Old 97’s each have delivered Christmas albums built around inviting new songs that make them worthy additions to the favorites you might turn to year in and year out. Albums, listed alphabetically by artist, are ranked on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (classic). Let the roundup begin:

*** Paul Cardall, “Christmas” (Stone Angel Music). The pianist, composer and arranger has long been a force in Christian music circles, which seems an ideal launching point into this Christmas album. His approach favors power, glory and elegance in the predominantly instrumental arrangements of tunes familiar and new. Three featured vocals come from guests CeCe Winans, Patrice Tipoki and Audrey Assad.

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by Andre Paine | November 22nd 2018 at 12:01PM

Ole has signed a worldwide recording and publishing deal with pianist and composer Paul Cardall. 

The independent music publishing and rights management company has acquired the full catalogue, including master recordings from Cardall's 22 albums and a further 12 albums on his Stone Angel Music label. The deal includes Cardall’s publishing and writer’s share on all compositions. 

The new recording agreement begins with Cardall’s festive album, Christmas. It features piano-based renditions of Silent Night, Joy To The World and O Holy Night, alongside vocal collaborations with Grammy winner CeCe Winans. 

“Even though Paul is world-class pianist, a gifted composer, and one of America’s most successful independent artists, he is also a brilliant business man who has surrounded himself with an incredible team to win," said Gilles Godard, Ole’s VP of corporate affairs and business development. "All of us at Ole are proud and privileged to have the opportunity to work with Paul and take his incredible success story to the next level." 

“Paul is a true musical virtuoso and we’re very pleased that Ole is the new home for his incredible body of work, as well as for the works of other talented artists signed to his Stone Angel Music label,” added Helen Murphy, Ole's CEO. 

“As an independent artist who has been blessed with a level of success, I had to learn strong principles and discipline inherent in my craft," said Cardall. "Those same principles make up the core values of Ole. It is in spirit of those principles, as well as a spirit of innovation, community, integrity, and a strong relationship with fans, that I join forces with Ole to light the world with music. 

PHOTO: (L-R) Attorney, Daniel Novick, Ole Senior VP of Finance & Administration , Chris Giansante, Ole CEO, Helen Murphy, Paul Cardall, Tina Cardall, Ole VP of Creative, John Ozier, Ole ’s VP of Corporate Affairs & Business Development, Gilles Godard

Jessica Nicholson • November 21, 2018

Pictured (L-R): Attorney Daniel Novick; ole Senior VP of Finance & Administration Chris Giansante; ole CEO Helen Murphy; Paul Cardall; Tina Cardall; ole VP of Creative John Ozier; ole’s VP of Corporate Affairs & Business Development Gilles Godard

Nashville-based pianist and composer Paul Cardall has signed an exclusive worldwide recording and publishing agreement with ole. Additionally, ole has acquired Cardall’s catalog, including master recordings from all 22 of Cardall’s previous albums, master recordings of 12 additional albums from Cardall’s label Stone Angel Music, as well as Cardall’s publishing and writer’s share on all compositions. 

To date, Cardall has earned six consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard New Age Albums chart. On Nov. 2, his holiday album Christmas debuted atop the New Age Albums chart. The project includes 13 piano-based holiday classics such as “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night,” as well as vocal collaborations with artists including CeCe Winans. Cardall will perform at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 28. 

“Even though Paul is a world class pianist, a gifted composer, and one of America’s most successful independent artists, Paul is also a brilliant business man who has surrounded himself with an incredible team to win. All of us at ole are proud and privileged to have the opportunity to work with Paul and take his incredible success story to the next level,” commented Gilles Godard, ole’s Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Business Development. 

“Paul is a true musical virtuoso and we’re very pleased that ole is the new home for his incredible body of work, as well as for the works of other talented artists signed to his Stone Angel Music label,” added Helen Murphy, ole’s Chief Executive Officer. 

“As an independent artist who has been blessed with a level of success, I had to learn strong principles and discipline inherent in my craft. Those same principles make up the core values of ole. It is in spirit of those principles, as well as a spirit of innovation, community, integrity, and a strong relationship with fans, that I join forces with ole to light the world with music. Whether we’re creating a ground breaking piano album, songwriting, producing or scoring films, my recordings and the existing Stone Angel Music catalogue, together with ole’s talented team of creatives, will continue to serve as a blessed resource for millions of people who use it as a tool to create an atmosphere of peace,” said Cardall.

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With a roster of songwriters that includes Chris Janson, Tony Martin and Jordan Davis, the fortunes of ole Music continue to be very bright -- and now, the company finds itself expanding into some new territory. Billboard has exclusively learned that New Age musician Paul Cardall has signed an agreement that will include future recordings and publishing. In addition, ole will acquire Cardall’s prior 27 releases and several additional albums issued on his Stone Angel imprint. ole’s Gilles Godard, vp corporate affairs and business development, says he’s excited to stretch out into new waters. 

“We’ve always wanted to find great writers and artists in that realm of the business, but when we started to talk with Paul and his manager Garrison Snell, we knew he was the perfect fit,” Godard tells Billboard. 

The agreement comes as the musician has released his first holiday album in 13 years. Simply titled Christmas, the release hit nine different Billboard charts at the same time -- a feat that Godard stands in appreciation of. “When you look at his success across the board, he is doing some amazing work, and reaching an incredible audience,” he says.

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Paul Cardall’s Christmas Debuts on 9 Billboard Charts Including #1 New Age Album and #1 Heatseekers

Upcoming: Appearing on nationally-televised National Christmas Tree Lighting Airing Dec. 2, and Tokens at The Ryman November 18

Nashville, TN  -November 14, 2018 -- Utah native Paul Cardall’s latest release, Christmas is undeniable. A stirring and timeless work of art, this Christmas collection embodies the spirit of the holiday in all its gravitas and wonder. Christmas debuted today on 9 Billboard Charts including #1 New Age Album, #1 Heatseekers — Mountain, #4 Classical Album, #4 Classical Crossover Album, #8 Heatseekers, #11 Christian Album Sales, #31 Independent Album, #36 Top Christian Album Sales, and #42 Holiday Album. Cardall’s skill as a composer shines on this record with his characteristic blend of new-age piano performance and rich classical strings. This marks the sixth #1 album for Cardall.

In support of the release Cardall will perform at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C. on November 28. The nearly 100 year-old tradition is a production of the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service, and the ceremony will be aired on December 2 at 10 p.m. EST on Ovation TV and the Reelz Channel.

Cardall is also slated to take the stage at Nashville’s Historic Ryman Auditorium this Sunday, November 18 for the annual Thanksgiving episode of the annually broadcast Tokens Show.

He will perform  “O Holy Night” with 12-time Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans — the pair collaborated on the song for Christmas. The show will air Thanksgiving evening on WMOT from 7-9 p.m. Central. Tokens is a live theological variety show, and the Thanksgiving episode centers around themes of gratitude, hospitality, and community. The show features some of Nashville’s finest musicians, world-class vocalists, and compelling interviews.

In addition to his ongoing recording career, Paul is also deeply committed to philanthropic endeavors. The one that is significantly a part of his life is the Salt Lake City-based Operation Underground Railroad. Through is friendship with O.U.R founder Tim Ballard, Cardall has offered significant support to the organization that rescues children from sex-trafficking situations, and was recently invited to be on the O.U.R. Board of Governors.

Paul Cardall is currently one of America’s most successful independent artists.  With more than 2 BILLION lifetime digital streams, he currently averages over 25 million streams monthly.  In addition to his work as an artist, Paul also founded Stone Angel Music, a label providing services in artist development, merchandising, and recording.  The Stone Angel Music label currently has nine signed artists and has released over 50 instrumental and compilation albums. 

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Contact: 
Erin Morris Huttlinger / Morris Public Relations / erin@morrispr.biz / 615.419.9988 
Alison Auerbach / AAPR / alisonapr@aol.com / 615.957.4670

Christmas Music is Essential during the Season: The New Classic Christmas Music Album From Pianist Paul Cardall

by FM100 | October 20, 2018

This article about classic Christmas music is presented by Paul Cardall’s new album, ‘Christmas’. Pre-order it now so you can have it just in time to start celebrating the season. 

The holidays are a time to come together. They are a time to spend with your family. They are a time of celebration for the majority of people in the USA. The soundtrack of Christmas is often one of the most important parts of the season. Certain songs can remind you of the special memories of your loved ones. They can remind you of amazing Christmases in the past.

A Special Holiday Gift of Classic Christmas Music Just for You

This Christmas is going to be extra special. Paul Cardall will be releasing a brand new collection of Christmas music classics. These beautiful renditions of classic Christmas music songs are sure to bring those amazing holiday memories right back to you. All while putting a big smile on your face. Cardall’s new album, simply titled Christmas brings spectacular imagery and sonic images to life in an album that reminds you of the incredible power and magic of the Christmas season. Paul Cardall is excited to release his album because he says “people all over the world are remembering the Christ child”. Cardall brought Michael W. Smith’s Producer Jim Daneker with this momentous undertaking that features amazing performances from Grammy Award winner Cece Winans, Australia’s Patrice Tipoki, and award-winner singer/songwriter Audrey Assad.

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Paul Cardall is a Utah pianist who has released three No 1 Billboard albums. He is also a Steinway & Sons sponsored pianist, and he is a lay minister. Cardall founded Stone Angel Music which is one of the top-selling and highest streaming instrumental labels in the world.

Where Can You Get Your Copy 

Pre-orders are live on Amazon, iTunes, and PaulCardall.com, and the album will drop on November 2nd. Fans who sign up for the pre-order will receive the single “Jesus, Once of Humble Birth” in upon purchase.

CHRISTIANBEAT.ORG

Thursday, 04 October 2018 08:57 
Written by Jessie Clarks

There’s something about a great Christmas album that transcends time and becomes part of the soundtrack for holiday memories for years to come. Paul Cardall has crafted such an album with his stunning new collection Christmas, his first Christmas album in 13 years. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, October 5 on Amazon , iTunes, and PaulCardall.com, with an album release date of November 2. Fans participating in the pre-order will receive "Jesus, Once of Humble Birth" in advance. 

Cardall has a massive world-wide audience and is known for his expansive musical performances that encompass multiple genres, including classical crossover, contemporary Christian and new age, Cardall has earned 4 No. 1 albums on the Billboard charts, amassed more than two billion lifetime digital streams and continually earns over 25 million streams monthly. His most recent number 1 album was last week when "Sunday" hit the top of Billboard's New Age chart. 

Cardall, who generally produces his own albums, this time tapped Michael W. Smith’s longtime musical director Jim Daneker as producer for the substantial project. “This is the first time in 20 years I’ve worked with a producer,” Cardall notes. “I’ve always been a fan of Michael’s music, and the opportunity to work with Jim gave me the moment to take my music to the next level.” 

"When I first took this on this project I thought it would be easy because it’s a piano record," Daneker adds. "But it’s not been easy. It’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. So much hangs on every little note, every texture, every detail. We’re focused on the centerpiece, which is Paul’s piano, but ideally we made something just blossom out of that. This is one of the best-sounding, if not THE best-sounding Christmas record I’ve ever heard." Christmas was recorded at Nashville’s historic Ocean Way Studio.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) September 26, 2018 

Just two weeks after its release, Stone Angel Music's "Sunday" has moved to the #1 position on Billboard's New Age chart. This 18-track compilation album is a celebration of the label’s 20th anniversary and highlights some of its most beloved music. “Sunday” has been curated to include some of the label’s most celebrated artists along with some special guests. “We believe in producing music that enlightens the mind and edifies the soul,” said Paul Cardall, performer and founder of Stone Angel Music. Every week, over 25 million people tune in to Spotify, Pandora, iTunes and more, to listen to Cardall’s music and to the artists that are featured on his Stone Angel label. In the 20 years of the label’s existence, it has released 4 #1 Billboard albums, and 10 other projects that made the Top 20 on Billboard’s New Age, Classical or Christian charts. 

“Sunday,” features music by Paul Cardall, Ryan Tilby, Camille Nelson, Jim Daneker, Shane Mickelsen, Jason Lyle Black, former artists Steven Sharp Nelson (The Piano Guys), Jake White, and includes performances by David Tolk, Jon Schmidt (The Piano Guys), and Alex Sharp (Celtic Women). 

In addition to the collection of re-releases, the album also contains a never-before released original track by Cardall titled “Afternoon Rain.” 

Next month Cardall will be releasing his first Christmas album in 13 years. The much anticipated project contains a duet with Grammy-winning vocalists CeCe Winans. 

For more than 20 years, Stone Angel Music has released award-winning instrumental albums, which have become a powerful resource for millions of people who use the music as a tool to create an atmosphere of peace, love, and hope. 

Stone Angel Music is distributed worldwide by CDBABY, Deseret Book Distribution, and Alliance Entertainment.