Dawn Michelle Williams is a masterful piano player. She captures the essence of emotions with each and every composition she writes, giving a voice to the songs of the heart that echo from the human soul. "Prelude" and "Heavenly Peace" are both Williams' original compositions, the remainder of the songs artfully mastered arrangements. Contributing musicians were Mark Baldwin (guitars), Mark Hill (bass), Ken Lewis (drums), John Catchings (cello), Andy Leftwich (Fiddle), Blair Masters, Sal Oliveri (synth programming) and Bill Whittington (sound engineer). Whittington has worked with legendary musicians such as Amy Grant, Faith Hill and Whitney Houston and his talent for blending sounds really shines through. This album is chock full of old favorites and new and is the perfect backdrop to any holiday get-together. "Prelude" is the first track and is a whirlwind of musical sensations and is one of the two original works on the album. A cold wintery blast to get you in the mood for the holidays, this short composition is bursting with seasonal wonder and hope. Piano movements, bells, electric guitar and percussion elements marry well and give a host of good tidings to all. "The Little Drummer Boy" is unlike any other piece on the album. With a decided Middle Eastern flair, this piece encapsulates the journey of the Little Drummer Boy as he travels to see the Christ child in the manger. Fraught with danger and wonderment, this piece has the traditional flavor, but using musical improvisations, Williams was able to make it quite unique. The percussive elements, electric guitar, strident piano playing, multi-instrumentation and foot tapping rhythm inspired me to play this song over and over again. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is the last song on the album. The pensive electric guitar, ringing of the bells, percussion, elegant chimes and piano whirl together in a wintery song that speaks to the season. The snow falls, reminding us relationships, not shopping lists are what is important. As we go about our hectic lives, jostling through crowded shopping malls and highways, remember what this season really stands for. Family. Relationships. These are the gifts we should be most thankful for. This is the star that tops the tree and shines brightly in this season of wonder. Dawn Michelle Williams has an innate ability to stretch the boundaries of classical music, improvising and adapting it to spicy new heights of artistic freedom. Wonder: Songs for the Season captures the spirit of the holidays, giving voice to the hopes and foibles of the human spirit in this the busiest season of all. Her mastery of piano and skill at composition evoke images of wintery wonderlands and sugar plum dreams just in time for a hot cup of cider on a brisk November evening. This album is perfect for sharing with loved ones and for becoming a part of your family holiday traditions. I know it will now be a part of mine. Key Tracks- Little Drummer Boy, Prelude, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Sr. Staff November 14, 2013.