Tag Archives: Franz Xaver Gruber

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 7

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 7

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

Thomas Alan Waits turns 75 today. Born December 7, 1949 in Pomona, California, I have been a fan ever since Bruce Springsteen covered “Jersey Girl” and I was stunned to discover it was not written by The Boss himself. Waits has made a career out of writing about the invisible people we pass in our lives everyday and reminds us that we all deserve a place in this world. And even if his words were not delivered in his signature distinctive gravelly voice, the beauty of his songs would still get the message across in an unforgettable way.

waits
Silent Tom 1
Silent Tom 2

Top: Tom Waits circa 2008. Middle & Bottom: The 1989 import featuring Waits version of today’s song. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

In 1989 Waits recorded a holiday song with S.O.S. United-a music project started by Austrian film composer Harald Kloser-which featured a choir of children from 15 countries across four continents. The contrast of their smooth young voices with Waits’ rough gritty one is just mesmerizing. It’s like listening to a man who has had his faith restored in the season when he was not even aware it had left him.

For a female take on today’s Christmas classic, I present the incomparable Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

aretha-july-2011-e1522032002613

Photo taken by me at the f/k/a Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, NY in July 2011.

Tom Waits: “Silent Night” (1989, written by Franz Xaver Gruber).

Aretha Franklin: “Silent Night” (2008, written by Franz Xaver Gruber).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 283

Posted in Holidays, Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Dec 24

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

It goes without saying that Aretha Franklin could sing anything, yet she waited over 45 years in to her career to release an album of seasonal music with 2008’s “This Christmas Aretha”. The record included several spiritual tracks that were reflective of Franklin’s gospel roots. Between her incomparable voice, her interpretation of the lyrics and the absolutely gorgeous arrangements, the entire album is simply stunning. But since today is Christmas Eve, I think this song is the best choice to celebrate this glorious day of the year.

“‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace“.

Aretha

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Aretha Franklin: “Silent Night” (2008, written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.