Pianist Lorie Line doesn't particularly care for the "new age performer" label. After all, she doesn't have anything in common with Yanni's lush, intoxicating sounds. Nor is there a common link with John Tesh's studio-refined pop music.
She doesn't even stick to one specific kind of music.Her most recent CD, for example, "The Heritage Collection II," is a group of inspirational songs. Interestingly, when that album was released in September, it debuted at No. 7 on Billboard's new age chart, one slot ahead of Tesh's latest recording.
"I'll bet no one was more surprised about this than Tesh was," Line said in a telephone interview. "He's got this huge multimillion dollar company behind him, and we're just a tiny company in the Midwest. But it shows the power of the fans -- they've been waiting for this album for about four years."
Line, whose fans have been steadily growing in number over the years, is bringing her annual Christmas concert to Abravanel Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
She remembers having only 129 people at her first Salt Lake City concert five years ago. "Now I sell out!"
This year's concert is titled "Be There With Bells On." "I want the people to bring bells to the show. There are five pieces the audience can play along with the band. I like to get the audience involved in my shows."
Though Line is in the same category as Yanni and Tesh, she is quick to point out that she has nothing in common with them.
"My music is completely different." Instead of that wall of string and synthesizer associated with new age music, Line's 14-member Pop Chamber Orchestra, which will accompany her on this tour, is made up of penny-whistles, bagpipes, accordion, fiddles, recorders and the like.
"I wanted to create a sound that was unique," Line explains, "and I wanted to create a sound that would go well with my piano.
"The (orchestra) originated in the studio. I fall into everything spontaneously -- and that goes for the band, too. For example, I would need a penny-whistle player for a cut on an album I'd be recording. I'd find someone, and we would do the piece. Then I'd tell him that I've got a gig in a month and ask if he wanted to play with me. The same went for the bagpipe player, and so on. (Gradually) I got a band together without planning on it."
Line does all the arrangements and orchestrations herself, and as producer she oversees every aspect of her tour. She and her husband also own their own recording company, Time Line Productions Inc., which has become the second largest independent label in the country.
And she aspires to be a guest on a particular TV program. "I would love to be on the 'Today' show and talk to Katie and Matt. I feel that my story can inspire women and those pursuing their dreams. My story is that I have a grass-roots business. I'm the only wpman in America to have started a music business.
"I haven't gotten national exposure yet, because people don't really know my music.
"Yanni got media attention with Linda Evans, and Tesh was on 'Entertainment Tonight.' My story is positive and inspirational, and I'm just waiting for that one person to get me out in the spotlight."
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., but there will be pre-concert festivities for ticket holders. Starting at 6:30 p.m., hot cocoa, wassail and cookies will be served, while those present will be serenaded by Christmas carolers. Then around 6:50 p.m., Line will take part in Abravanel Hall's first-ever tree-lighting ceremony.
Tickets for the concert are priced at $22, $26 and $30. They can be purchased by phone by calling ArtTix at 355-ARTS or 1-888-451-ARTS. Tickets are also available at the ArtTix outlets in the Abravanel Hall and Capitol Theatre box offices.