Monthly Archives: December 2022

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 6

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 6

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of the biggest bands-both literally and figuratively-of the 1970’s & 1980’s released their debut album in 1967. But it was not until 1998 that they released their first holiday collection, The Christmas Album, produced by E Street member Roy Bittan. Thanks to its success the record was reissued in 2003 under the title, What’s It Gonna Be, Santa? It came with with six new tracks produced by Phil Ramone including today’s pick, led by Jason Scheff’s vocals. It is a wonderful take on a more modern holiday tune written & originally recorded by Donny Hathaway in 1970.

Chicago_WhatsItGonnaBeSanta

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Chicago:  “This Christmas” (2003, written by Donny Hathaway (as “Donny Pitts”) and Nadine Theresa McKinnor).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 5

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 5 2022

A vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Time to add some soul to the countdown. Today’s song is another well loved classic but this one dates back to the middle of the 19th century. It is based on the French poem “Minuit, chrétiens” (“Midnight, Christians”) by Placide Cappeau & was set to music by fellow Frenchman, composer Adolphe Adam.

In 1855 it was translated to English by American classical music critic, John Sullivan Dwight. Both versions of the song celebratate the religious aspect of the holiday. And today’s R&B master recorded my favorite male rendition of this track in 1983. It is just stunning.

“Led by the light
of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by
His cradle we stand“.

Al 1

Al 2

The front & back of Al Greeb’s 1983 albun, “White Christmas”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Al Green: “O Holy Night” (1983, written by written by Adolphe Charles Adam and John Sullivan Dwight).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 4

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 4 2022

A vintage circa 1950 Napco Christmas figurine. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s artist is described on his website as having a “life and philosophy (that) is the embodiment of the Great American Story”. And that tale is one incredibly talented & gifted one that has spanned a remarkable 96 years to date. The website also names this man as one of only a few artists to have new albums on the charts in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and the first two decades of this current millenium. And those records have been in a variety of musical genres including swing, jazz, big band, pop, The Great American Songbook and holiday tunes like today’s classic. It is nearly 80 years old but it is still a holiday staple.

This song was first recorded for the 1944 film, “Meet Me in St. Louis” and was originally performed by today’s singer’s favorite vocalist, an incompreble artist who was the original all around entertainer who sang, dance, acted & performed live every chance she got. She was born 100 years ago but it is still hailed as one of the best artists of all time. Both versions of this song are so utterly perfect I have included both of them for you to enjoy.

“Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more“.

Tony Bennett

Top: Tony Bennett on the cover of his 1987 album, Bennett/Berlin. Bottom: Judy Garland in a scene from the 1944 film, “Meet Me In St. Louis”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Tony Bennett: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1968, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

Judy Garland: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1944. written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 3

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 3 2022

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I was introduced to today’s singer in 2007 when her huge hit, “Bleeding Love“, was everywhere. Soon after I saw a video of her knock out version of “Whole Lotta Love” with Led Zeppelin’s very own Jimmy Page at the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing. But it was not until earlier this week that I heard today’s song which was released in 2013. Modern holiday songs are usually hit or miss but this is one that I found quite enjoyable.

Leona Lewis

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Leona Lewis: “One More Sleep” (2013, written by Jez Ashurst, Bradford Ellis, Iain James, Leona Lewis and Richard “Biff” Stannard).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 2

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 1

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday’s song was by Elton John who is retiring from the road. Well, as one legend leaves the live stage, another one has returned to it in an incredibly triumphant way. Joni Mitchell performed at the Newport Folk Festival this summer after years of recovery from a medical event. It was a glorious moment for her and those of us who have followed her career and believed in her words, music, talent and artistry.

I learned she was slowly making her way back over the last few years by hosting “Joni Jams” in the living room of her home to play with many of her famous friends. Now Mitchell has announced some show dates for 2023. And on the subject of Elton John again, he hosted an episode of his Rocket Hour show last month right from Mitchell’s house. It is an absolutely delightful interview in which John pointed out “music brought her back to life”. Amen. Say it with me: Music is the answer.

Today’s pick is one of Mitchell’s most beloved and most covered tracks. I love the original version she recorded for her 1971 album, Blue. It was reissued last year for its 50th anniversary and went to #1. My absolute favorite cover of this track was recorded by actor Robert Downey Jr. in 2000 for his role as Larry Paul on “Ally McBeal”. It has a cello arrangement that is absolutely exquisite. In the spirit of this giving season, I am presenting both for your enjoyment.

Welcome back, Joni Mitchell. We missed you.

“It’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace“.

Joni

robert downey jr

Top: Joni Mitchell on stage at the Newport Folk Festival in July 2022. Bottom: Robert Downey Jr. circa 2000. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Joni Mitchell: “River” (1971, written by Joni Mitchell).

Robert Downey Jr.: “River” (2000, written by Joni Mitchell).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 1

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Happy December, everybody!!!

December

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We have officially arrived at the Christmas season so what better way to celebrate this festive time of year than with a daily countdown of great holiday songs to usher in the big day. All are welcome even if you are not a fan of this genre or you do not observe the holiday. Great music of any kind should be enjoyed by all.

We begin with an iconic artist who held his final U.S. concert last month at Dodger Stadium in California. It was also livestreamed so anyone who wanted to could watch the show that closed the American leg of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. From the first time I heard “Daniel” I was completely enamoured with Sir Elton Hercules John and his impossibly prolific, eloquent & poignant lyricist, Bernie Taupin. It was one of the first records I ever bought for myself and John’s 1974 “Greatest Hits” compilation was the first album I ever owned. I have loved, adored and worshiped him for my entire life.

He has been a vital part of music and culture from day one. His artistry, his philanthropy, his 1997 Princess Diana tribute song, his foray into songs for film & Broadway and his own 2019 biopic, “Rocketman”, confirmed his legendary status while continuing his reign as one of the greatest artists of all time.

Even though my reverence for John knows no bounds, I have not been able to bring myself to watch his last concert yet. As happy as I am for him that he has found such pleasure and contentment in his personal life with his husband and two sons, the idea of never attending another one of his shows just crushes my heart. It is a chapter I just do not want to close. But John deserves every blessing in life for his mere existence in this world for all the sublime music he has bestowed upon the world for over 50 years. His melodies & Taupin’s lyrics are love, light, hope & joy defined.

EJ 1975

ej 1975 B

EJ 2022

ej 2022 B

Top: Two images from Elton John’s 1975 concert at Dodger Stadium. Bottom: John’s last show in America at the same stadium in November 2022. The last photo shows John on stage the night of the show when he was joined on stage by his two sons and husband, David Furnish. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elton John: “Step Into Christmas” (1973,written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!