December 3, 4, 5

So I have gotten even further behind on this project...the only way to get even close to done "on time" is to post 3 or 4 songs daily.  I guess running into this sort of problem is not uncommon this time of year....biting off more than we can chew; putting too much on our plates...food analogies both but appropriate inasmuch as food remains such an integral part of our holiday celebrations. Growing up in the 70s the Christmas activities were by today's standards quite modest...time together, decorations, music, and of course, wonderful food.  The holiday calendar of my youth began with the annual performance of Handel's Messiah by the EKU Choirs.  I never actually saw the entire performance, but through the magic of youtube, I can still see fantastic choirs perform the greatest of the Christmas compositions.  Today features not only Handel's Messiah, but three other classic pieces.

Handel's Messiah.

Composed in 1741, this three part oratorio details the Nativity, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ.  There is a wonderful review on Wikipedia that is too perfect for me to try and distill down to a few lines (Handel's Messiah).  The Hallelujah Chorus is the most recognized piece; rumor has it that the King was so impressed by this piece that he stood during this portion..a tradition continued by modern audiences.  One of the early performances in London was to benefit the Foundling Hospital, an institution dedicated to bettering the lives of disenfranchised youth.  In addition to a classic recording by the Royal Choral Society, I have included a masterpiece of modern technology...the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 2000 "virtual" singers who "uploaded" their parts and all were then seamlessly incorporated into this production.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 2000 Virtual Guests

The Royal Choral Society

The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer (also known as the Our Father) appears in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13) and a shorter version in Luke (11:2-4).  Catholic doctrine maintains that this is "truly the summary of the whole Gospel."  It has been performed for centuries and there are too many wonderful renditions from which to choose.  I have chosen two versions by the same artist (Andrew Bocelli).  The first is with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; the second is a peformance with the Philadelphia Orchestra for Pope Francis.  For a Catholic singer, I can imagine no greater highlight in his stunning career than to perform for the Pope.

Andrew Bocelli and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Andrew Bocelli performance for Pope Francis

Ave Maria

Composed by Schubert in 1825 and originally named "Ellen's third song," this is in my opinion one of the most beautiful songs ever written.  Based on the greeting of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Luke), there are seemingly endless versions from which to choose.  These four are each distinct in their own way; perhaps the collaboration between Bono and Pavorotti being the most unique.  I could have easily added covers by Domingo, Pavorotti, Bocelli, Josh Groban, etc.

The Celtic Women

Karen Carpenter

Bono and Pavorotti

1995 Video Production by Michal Lorenc

O Come O Come Emmanuel

The tune is from the early 15th century; the words are now more than 300 years old but tell a story millenia in the making...Israel's longing for Salvation from Jesse's lineage.  One of the verses:

Draw nigh, O Jesse's Rod, draw nigh,

To free us from the enemy;

From Hell's infernal pit to save,

And give us victory o'er the grave.

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall be born, for thee, O Israel!

I have chosen three completely different versions, none classical covers, but amazing collaboration between the Mormon Choir and The Piano guys, a folk artist, and a mixed production.

The Piano Guys

The Reliques (Folk Artists)

For King and Country

December 2

So many great holiday movies...I could list 15 or 20 that are "must sees at some point."  When our children were young, Sharon and I would try to watch a different movie every night of December...we had a collection of VHS tapes, DVDs, and a smattering of network shows (long before NetFlix/You tube).  Some are absolute classics...a patient's mother referenced "It's a Wonderful Life" to me in a text just a couple of days ago...Sharon and I have watched two different versions of Dicken's Christmas Carol (early 50s and George C. Scott remake) already this year.  And of course, if you have spare insulin, there is always the Hallmark Channel.  I'm sure over the next two weeks that Miracle on 34th Street (both versions) and a host of others will make their way to the DVD.  Many of our favorite Christmas songs debuted in movies (White Christmas, The Christmas Song).  Today's song is the second song from "Grinch."

Where are you Christmas/Christmas, Why can't I find you

This song, written by James Horner, Will Jennings, and Mariah Carey for the 2000 remake of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," is one of the handful of "new" songs that I think will still be a holiday standard 50 years from now.  Legal conflicts with her ex-husband prevented Carey from releasing the song, so it was performed by Faith Hill.   Nearly 1,000,000 downloads later, it is on

Faith Hill

Piano Guys (with daughter)

December 1,

So it is officially December and the airwaves are full of holiday songs.  Not just the radio, but now satellite and of course my favorite, Alexa.  Sitting at my wife's computer as I write this I can simply say "Alexa, play the Christmas Song by Nat King Cole and amazingly it is NOW playing."  Enough said for the technology.  So many versions of this on You Tube, it is one of the most covered of the Christmas Classics.

The Christmas Song

Pretty much everyone agrees that is one of the greatest of all Christmas songs.  It was written by Mel Torme when he was only 19 years old! (With Bob Wells).   One of the three recordings I have included is with him and Judy Garland (of the Wizard of Oz...she changes ones one phrase from "reindeer" to "rainbows").  The Nat King Cole version is classic and needs no introduction (though  originally recorded many years earlier with his trio, it is this recording that we celebrate today).  Lastly, an incredible cover by Aaron Neville...no editing, just one take.  Many years ago Sharon and I had the pleasure of seeing him in a private concert in New Orleans...just himself, a tape machine, and a mic...amazing.  Enjoy

Mel Torme and Judy Garland

Nat King Cole, 1961

Aaron Neville (1 mic, 1 take, no editing)

Thursday, November 30

Well, obviously I have gotten WAY behind on my postings, but if I average two per day, I should finish up "right on time."  No explanation or excuses needed or offered...just haven't sat down to do the necessary daily "work."  The dates may or may match up to the actual weather or events, but since for the most part the ramblings are random, it really doesn't matter.

I recently wrote about the "warm weather" and how that juxtaposed to my childhood (though "White Christmases" were not common in the Kentucky of my youth (but were in Michigan).  This will be my 26th Christmas in Savannah, surpassing the number in Kentucky.   The last few days have been relatively cold...in the low 30s in the morning, so I thought it was a good time for :

Baby It's Cold Outside

The song was composed by Frank Losser in 1944 and like many of our holiday favorites, was written for a movie (Neptune's Daughter, 1949 (I haven't seen the movie, but the cast includes some heavyweights:  Ricardo Montalban, Mel Blanc, Ester Williams, Mel Blanc, Xavier Cugat).  In recent years the song has come under fire and while I do recognize that argument, this is a fun blog and I believe on the list of inappropriate songs, this one is going to be down the list.  But if there is any doubt, No means No.

Here are three of my favorite versions:  The original recording from 1949, Savannah's own Johnny Mercer, and of course, a short scene from Elf.  Enjoy.

Baby It's Cold Outside (Neptune's Daughter, 1949)

Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting (1949)

Elf (2003)

Wednesday, November 29

The weather in Savannah is simply stunning today; mid 60s, perfect blue sky, gentle breeze (so no bugs).  This will be my 26th Christmas in Savannah, officially surpassing all of those in Kentucky.  Though we didn't always have a "white Christmas" (in fact it was relatively uncommon), we typically didn't plan golf and barbecues for the days before Christmas.  But we embrace the good weather we are having here now (remembering how hot it was just a few months ago).  I suppose I could talk about Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" (..."I'm dreaming of...") but todays music features two of the many songs written about Christmas in warm climates.   For those of you wanting more...Jimmy Buffett has an entire album of "warm Christmas" songs.  My children really don't know any other time...Christmas day isn't about snowmen or sledding...after all is done we will head to the golf course, tennis course, beach, bike ride, oyster roast etc.  But just like our friends in the north (including Sharon's family in Canada), it is the company we keep and the stories and lives that we share that make the day.  And that first Christmas morning, well, we don't have records, but last year it was 60 degrees in Bethlehem (Israel) on Christmas day.

Mele Kalikimaka

This holiday classic was written in 1949 and recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters; it is a staple in many holiday movie soundtrack, none more classic than National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (more on this movie in a future posting)

Two versions of this song; one from my favorite Jimmy Buffett and the classic version from Bing Crosby, featuring Clark W. Griswold.

Jimmy Buffett

Bing Crosby (Christmas Vacation Cut)

Christmas in Dixie

The classic cross-over band Alabama introduced the world to this song in the early 80s; it has since been covered by both country and contemporary artists, and a lot of karaoke singers.

Alabama's version

Bellevue Christmas Eve Service
This is a nice version sung by a pastor and his daughter

Tuesday, November 28

So to follow Cyber Monday we now have "Giving Thursday."  Another relatively new creation.  I knew I wanted to talk about this today, but I wasn't sure what I was going to pen, until my first words "So to..." were typed.  Then I remembered the classic song which includes this phrase "So to honor him."  And isn't that what all giving should be about?  Honoring?  Obviously we should give to honor Christ, but true giving honors someone or something...a birth, and an accomplishment, a memory.  My wife and I are fortunate and are able to support a number of a programs...our local church, our local diocese, a host of universities and schools we/our children have attended, and some other special programs.  As we examine our giving, we should be sure that our gifts are intended to honor others, not ourselves.  Each morning I get the "daily readings" from the US Council of Catholic Bishops...yesterday's readings, from Luke (24:1-4), remind us of Christ's teachings on giving.

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people

putting their offerings into the treasury

and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.

He said, "I tell you truly,

this poor widow put in more than all the rest;

for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,

but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

Today's song, The Little Drummer Boy, was written by the American composer Katherine Davis in 1941.   It has been widely recorded; the first popular recording was by the Austrian Trapp Family Singers...like many I grew up listening to a version by Harry Simeone, recorded in 1964.  I can remember listening to the gentle melody in front of my parent's fireplace.  To this day, there is a peace about me when I listen to this song which details the simple gift of a little boy.  All gifts are not equal, and this one, from the heart, reminds us of Christ's teachings that giving your excess is not the same as giving from your staples.  In my closet I still have a simple flashlight given to me more than 30 years ago by a young boy...He had mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (aka "Kawasaki disease"); I treated him with a new therapy at the time (IVIG, standard now) and he had a dramatic recovery.  Some months later his mother brought me a present...to say they were poor is an understatement.  Still, they chose to spend money they did not have to thank me for my care.  It remains one of my most prized possessions.

Okay, for the music:

First, the classic version, then an amazing African interpretation by Alex Boye', and lastly a wonderful video with David Bowie and Bing (Crosby)...this was filmed shortly before Bing's death...I didn't realize that they had recorded this together; I thought the popular version was "dubbed."  Study and learn, listen and enjoy.

Classic Harry Simeone Orchestra

Alex Boye' Genesis

Bing and Bowie

Monday, November 27

Cyber Monday...who could have imagined just 20 years ago that more money would be spent "online" today than in the bricks and mortar stores on Black Friday.  For what it's worth, Black Friday is by my recollection a relatively new phenomenon..I remember my mother going to Mr. Wiggs on the day after Christmas to get "half-price" toys...she would stock up on birthday presents for friends (with four kids, that was a lot of birthdays) and if we had any "cash" we could get bargains.  I don't remember the assault on the stores on what is now Black Friday becoming an "event" until my mid 20s...maybe I was just otherwise distracted, but clearly in years past American women have spent far more hours planning the invasion of Target and Walmart than General Eisenhower's staff spent planning the liberation of Europe.  But, now is now and cyber Monday will get a lot of our attention and dollars.  Render up to Amazon....Before I get to the music, here's a cool little clip discussing the Jetson's...pretty sure that when Amazon is looking for the next "thing" (Alexa), they just watch the Jetson's for ideas!

The Jetson's , Commentary by creators Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera)

The music I have selected for today is in keeping with the animated theme and doesn't require much in the way of introduction, though there are some cool versions.  "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" was of course written by Dr. Seuss.  It was not, contrary to popular belief, performed by the narrator (Boris Karloff), but rather was performed by Thurl Ravenscroft.   A song from the remake will appear closer to Christmass


 Original from the 1966 movie


Jordan Smith (winner of The Voice)

I am not embarrassed to  admit that I listen to Christmas music ALL year round...mostly instrumental, but I have been know to listen to Nat King Cole in July.  But like most, the music is an integral part of our holiday; it's been that way since I was a little boy in Kentucky.  I still have many of the original albums that Mom and Dad played on a very modest stereo.  And while I have wonderful music systems in my office and home, I will, undoubtedly, find a night between now and Christmas to sit in my favorite chair in my office with a nice glass of wine and listen to the scratchy 33's on my turntable; it's just a part of my holiday.  This year, however, I promised myself that I would delve a bit more into the history of the music that I so enjoy, and with that, share my thoughts with my family.  Just for fun, I'm going to include videos of most of these songs.  It is 30 days until Christmas and I expect to discuss ~ 35 songs that are important to me and my family (I've asked everyone to include their favorites.  One of the purposes of this website was to have an ongoing chronicle of family stories, traditions, and miscellaneous musings.  While I haven't been too productive with this thus far; this will represent a sustained new attempt at doing better.

What better song to start the holiday season off with than "It's beginning to Look a lot like Christmas."  Composed by Meredith Wilson in 1951, this song has been a staple of Christmas music.  Like many of the songs, there are competing versions of the origin; one claims it is based on the Park Inn Hotel in the composers home town of Mason City Iowa (the last remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright); my personal favorite is that it was based on a stay at the Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Grand Hotel."  I choose this version for the simple reason that my wife is from Nova Scotia so that settles it!  We can all wax nostalgic for the simple longings and simple times just a generation ago.  

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Johnny Mathis)

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas (Michael Buble)

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas (The Chipmunks)