Tag Archives: Roy Bittan

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 6

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

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!!!

Advertisement

Let’s Take A Moment Day 144

Posted in 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?

Charlie Brown No Music No Life

(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.

When Stevie Nicks was recording her first solo album in 1981, she used many well established singers and musicians to help her pull the project together.  Some of the players included guitarist Davey Johnstone from Elton John’s band, pianist Roy Bittan from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn from Booker T & The MG’s, among others.  The record also included not one but two duets.  The first one, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”, was recorded with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and is a great collaboration.  Nicks wrote the other one for country superstar Waylon Jennings & his wife, Jessi Colter, but they did not end up including it on their album.  I am glad Nicks decided to record herself with Don Henley because I have been swooning over it ever since the first time I heard it.  I was lucky enough to see them perform it together when they toured the northeast many years ago, which was a real treat.  It is one of my favorite duets ever due in large part to the oh so pretty lyrics.

“You in the moonlight, with your sleepy eyes
Could you ever love a man like me
And you were right when I walked into your house
I knew I’d never want to leave“.

Leather and Lace

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stevie Nicks featuring Don Henley:  “Leather and Lace” (1981, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2019: Day 3

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Welcome back to the countdown!!!

Here’s another classic 1950’s Christmas card image I found on Pinterest.  So charming & festive!!!

day 3

Found on Pinterest by way of  Zazzle.ca (original source unknown).

Today’s song is by an American band formed in 1967 that went on to become one of the best selling groups of all time.  Known for their ballads, their rock songs and everything in between, their music is a combination of jazz, R&B, pop and classical.  All this and a horn section, too.  What more could a band need?  Oh, right, great songwriters and incredibly talented vocalists.  Check and check.

They released a Christmas album in 1998 (produced by E Street Band member Roy Bittan) which was reissued in 2003 with six extra songs including this classic.  For some people, there will never be a better version than Gene Autry’s or the one from the TV special as sung by Burl Ives,.  But I think today’s pick is a really good one.  Let’s call it the grown-up version of a childhood favorite.

Chicago

Chicago:  “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer” (2003, written by Johnny Marks in 1939).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!