What makes the holiday season such a favorite time of year is the thought of sharing it with our loved ones. We naturally turn to thoughts of being with family and friends. For many, the holidays give us our best chance to express appreciation for others.

This sense of sharing and extending our personal influence is what makes contemporary pianist Jared Johnson’s new holiday album, Christmas in the Key of J, such a fitting part of the season. After years of unwavering support from fans and loved ones, Jared reached deep to create his most captivating and mature recording yet.

“It’s an absolute thrill to see the response to this album,” Jared said. “And it’s an honor to hear how many listeners are connecting with it on a personal level.”

Jared’s command of rhythm and emotion is at its best on the new album, which was released October 16. Christmas in the Key of J features 11 holiday arrangements, from traditional carols and hymns to show tunes and Top 40 hits. His refreshing style brings the warmth and excitement of the season to life with favorites including the classic Amy Grant hit Grown-Up Christmas List, as well as Good Christian Men, Rejoice, Joy to the World and Do You Hear What I Hear?.

A holiday recording was a natural step for Jared, whose energetic piano style has attracted thousands of listeners over the past seven years. He is widely known for his ability to capture the raw emotions of events in our lives. This is never more apparent than on his new album, which is a poignant response to the sudden death of his brother-in-law less than a year ago. Rather than wallowing in sorrow, Jared was able to deal with the difficult loss by finding renewed joy in daily living. Christmas in the Key of J portrays that joy and combines it with the warmth of the holidays, offering a path to healing for everyone who has suffered a personal loss.

A native Texan, Jared is the second of five children in a family brimming with musical talents. His mother, who taught him piano lessons beginning at age 5, is an accomplished classical pianist and vocalist. His brother and three sisters all sing and/or play the piano as well. Jared developed a heightened sense of rhythm from studying percussion in high school and college. A frequent performer, he has developed a technique of drumming on the piano and has been known to play blindfolded at lightning speed.

Christmas in the Key of J follows Jared’s debut album of original piano compositions, Piano Pop, which proved popular among critics and college students. Piano Pop musically conveys what was in his heart as he fell in love, got married, and became a father for the first time. His music gained quick notoriety, leading to a performance in conjunction with the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and other opportunities.

Jared’s music continues to tell inspiring stories and set the best moments of life to a thrilling soundtrack, all with a single instrument.