Music to enjoy in 2017

So, that's 2016--a year in which far too many musicians' lives were lost and many singer-songwriters released a lot of compelling music.  In 2017, new releases are scheduled in the singers-with-captivating-range front (Rhiannon Giddens), the thought-provoking singer-songwriter department (Aimee Mann and Laura Marling), the infectious jazz bass department (Nathan East), and the appealing-fusion-between-piano, vocals, and mandolin-front (Brad Mehldau & Chris Thile.) Regardless of what happens in the new year, we won't be left empty-handed musically.

Those fond food processing days of yore

A memory book representative called me in 1995.  Her company was assembling a directory of students from my high school class, listing their current jobs and contact information.  I told her, "I have two jobs.  I'm a news processor who puts articles online so people can read them, and I sometimes write headlines.  Also, I'm an announcer at a smooth jazz radio station, KNJZ 100.3 FM."

"OK," she responded.  "So you're a food processor for KNG Radio?"

"No," I answered.  "I'm a news processor at (such-and-such company).  I'm also an announcer at KNJZ 100.3 FM."

"Oh, alright," she replied.  "I'll put Channel 100.3 for the radio station, then."

"Actually, it should be listed as 100.3 FM," I said.  "Radio stations aren't usually referred to as channels."

When my directory arrived in the mail, I flipped through it, half-expecting to see myself listed as a food processor for KNG Radio.  Fortunately, except for referring to KNJZ's frequency as Channel 100.3, the information was correct.  It just goes to show that if you're tenacious enough about details, you'll get most of what you want--maybe.

Ten years of #1 song picks

Since 2014, I've posted my favorite songs of the year on this blog.  I assembled countdowns of my favorite songs for years prior to starting this blog, however.  Here's a look back at my favorite songs of the year for the 10 years that predate my blog:

2013: My #1 song pick: Forever-Haim
(This is what pop music should sound like.  Three sisters execute a great hook, as they also do on "Falling" and "The Wire."  I've read they have a new release due in 2017, so I look forward to it.)
Other worthy contenders: Build Me Up From Bones-Sarah Jarosz, Gently Down The Stream-Hem, Heston's-The 442s, The Stars Are Ours Tonight-Mayer Hawthorne

2012: My #1 song pick: Jacaranda Bougainvillea (Live)-Al Jarreau & The Metropole Orkest
(Jarreau sings encouragingly about trees and flowers as metaphors for hope; the orchestra enhances the song's optimistic vibe.)
Other worthy contenders: Hearts And Bones (Live)-Paul Simon, I'm A Memory-Sara Watkins, Planets-Kate Rusby featuring Sarah Jarosz, Run Run Run-The Explorers Club

2011: My #1 song pick: Ring Them Bells-Sarah Jarosz
(A well-sung, well-played version of a Bob Dylan tune.  Erin Bode sings a strong version of it in concert, as well.)
Other worthy contenders: Daybreak-Sierra Hull, Fall Right In-Beach Fossils, Send Somebody-Colin Hay

2010: My #1 song pick: The Mountain-Erin Bode
(One of Bode's most memorable hooks, and some impressive whistling, as well.  She has closed her concerts with this tune often.)
Other worthy contenders: Either Side Of The World-Crowded House, Equilibrium-Hot Club Of Detroit, Stones In The River-Carrie Newcomer

2009: My #1 song pick: Prophets-A.C. Newman
(One of the most effective uses of music I've seen in a sitcom; it's used in "The Leap," one of my favorite episodes of "How I Met Your Mother."  If you enjoy seeing a likable group of people take literal and metaphorical leaps in their lives, watch that episode, and appreciate how well "Prophets" underscores the final scene.)
Other worthy contenders: Cinema Paradiso-Chris Botti featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Cold Cold Heart (Live)-Norah Jones, How Not To Behave-Christine Kane

2008: My #1 song pick: Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore-The High Kings
(A fitting tribute to one's homeland, sung with epic grandeur.)
Other worthy contenders: Born At The Right Time-Erin Bode, Sweater Song-Erin Bode, There Is A Tree-Carrie Newcomer

2007: My #1 song pick: Even A Child-Crowded House
(One of the band's most radio-friendly hooks.)
Other worthy contenders: I Will Rise Up-Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, Pick Up The Pieces-Money Mark

2006: My #1 song pick: The Long Way Around-Dixie Chicks
(Great lyrics about following your own path, even when it's not conventional or popular.  Great, "Rumours"-era, Fleetwood Mac-style harmonizing, as well.)
Other worthy contenders: Funny Little Frog-Belle and Sebastian, Holiday-Erin Bode

2005: My #1 song pick: Sitting In Limbo-Thea Gilmore
(Sometimes, a song resonates with you at just the right time.  When I first heard it in late 2005, I was on the cusp of moving, but I didn't know where yet.  The lyric, "Sitting here in limbo, knowing that I have to go," stayed with me.  Gilmore makes this Jimmy Cliff song her own.) 
Other worthy contender: One Evening-Feist

2004: My #1 song pick: Almost-Sarah Harmer
(One of 2004's most compelling, energetic hooks, and you don't usually hear it played on the radio anymore.)
Other worthy contender: Better After All-Jonatha Brooke

Not the most stable gig

A pair of popular morning drive DJs during the '80s was celebrating 10 years in radio as a team.  One of them asked the other, "You've named all the newscasters we've had since we've been here.  Now, can you name all the program directors we've had?"  The other DJ's response: "Got an hour?"

Given the precarious ratings book-to-ratings book status by which program directors are retained or let go, the DJ's response, though not meant literally, contained an uncomfortable ring of truth.

Making a joyful noise?

The overnight grocery store shelf stocker hasn't been singing lately.  Each week, for several months in a row, I'd shop late at night.  An aisle or two over, I'd hear her singing along with whatever tune she was listening to.

"What on Earth is that sound?" I thought, the first time I heard her belting out a tune unexpectedly.  "Who's singing an off-key rendition of Sweet's 'Ballroom Blitz' at this hour?"

After I got over the initial surprise, however, I thought, "Oh, why not?  Her intonation is lacking, but what harm does this really do?  It's the middle of the night, and there aren't that many customers here. It's a big store, so customers can always get away from her warbling."

I'm guessing customers whose thought process didn't go past "What on Earth is that sound?" might have complained, though.  Working among the public isn't easy, so I hope she gets to still listen to her tunes, even if she's no longer allowed to sing in the store.

Good Winter music listening

If you enjoy Christmas music, it's difficult to stop listening to it altogether on December 26.  I've often used the day after Christmas to listen to carols and Winter-related tunes that aren't as familiar to me.  Today, I listened to the "Celtic Christmas: A Windham Hill Sampler" compilation and recommend it as a bridge between Christmas and the beginning of January.

Online radio sampler highlights L (Christmas edition)

December 25, 2005: If Rosie the cat had any Christmas music requests, I'm pretty sure I played them.  After all, it's unwise to cross a calico.

Christmas music highlights heard this morning:

KWMU-2 (St. Louis, MO)

• I'll Be Home For Christmas-Dave McKenna (McKenna gives the tune an unusually uptempo, swing/lounge arrangement on the piano.  It works, as do his other interpretations on the "Christmas Ivory" CD.)

KWMU-3 (St. Louis, MO) 

• The Holly And The Ivy-Robert Shaw Chamber Singers (As the announcer noted, not just any ensemble can sing with this degree of pitch or precision.)

WXPN (Philadelphia, PA)

• O Magnum Mysterium-Linda Ronstadt & The Choir From Tucson (Ronstadt leads the singing in this solemn observance of Christ's birth.)
• Candlelight Carol-Mary Chapin Carpenter (Carpenter's alto vocals do John Rutter's lyrics about the nativity justice.)
• A Child Is Born-Thad Jones & Mel Lewis (If you're not inclined to listen to at least a smidgen of jazz during the Christmas season after hearing this, I don't know what to tell you.)

WXPN-2 (Philadelphia, PA)

• In The Bleak Midwinter-Shawn Colvin (Midwinter may be bleak, but Colvin's vocals suggest a ray of hope.)

FM dial scan highlights LXXIV (Christmas edition II)

If you enjoy Christmas music, may the carols and other seasonal favorites you hear tonight and tomorrow make you at least as happy as this bear on our live Christmas tree was in 2003.

Some of the more appealing Christmas music I've heard since Tuesday:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Christmas Is Coming-Vince Guaraldi Trio (Decades ago, I thought this was one of the hippest original Christmas instrumentals anyone had ever composed and that it had to be a blast for Guaraldi to anchor its alternating rhythms on the piano.  My opinion hasn't changed in all that time.  I'm sure I'm not alone.)  
• Silver And Gold-Burl Ives (I'd be happy to swap the lion's share of radio airplay "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" usually gets for this more thought-provoking "Rudolph..." highlight.)
• Silent Night-Mahalia Jackson (Leave it to "The Big Bang"'s host, Dr. Jeff, to select multiple captivating Christmas tunes from distinctly different genres.  Jackson's larger-than-life voice brings out the power and tenderness of this carol.)

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• O Christmas Tree-Oscar Peterson (A subtle, in-its-own-time piano rendition.  Strongly recommended: Peterson's beautiful, sublime version of "Away In A Manger," with excellent flugelhorn emoting from Jack Schantz.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays-The Carpenters (Karen Carpenter always sang with such sincerity and crisp, clear enunciation.  When she sings that there's no place like home for the holidays, I can't imagine doubting her.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KNOU-HD2

• Leroy Anderson: A Christmas Festival (The Boston Pops Orchestra/Arthur Fiedler, conductor) (The resounding horn intro on this medley's first selection, "Deck The Halls," welcomes in Christmas majestically, and Anderson's arrangement transitions smoothly from one engaging seasonal favorite to another.)
• Suite Of Carols For String Orchestra (BBC Concert Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin, conductor) (The orchestra's vigorous, forceful bowing makes "Wassail, Wassail" especially engaging.  As played in this medley, "Wassail, I'm Telling You!" would be an equally appropriate title.)
• Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!-Hampton String Quartet (Played in the style of Mozart, this is one of the best renditions I've heard.)

A captivating new age Christmas

New age music has a reputation among some listeners as being overly synthesized or robotic.  To anyone who feels this way, listen to Suzanne Ciani's or David Darling's version of "Oh (or O) Holy Night," and feel the warmth.  Those are two of the best instrumental renditions of the carol, to my ears.

A plethora of good music this year

While choosing my favorite songs of the year yesterday and revising my choices today, I was struck by how often I thought, "So-and-so had a new release this year.  Which tune do I like best from that release?"  It got to the point where I thought, "Arrrrrgh!  I just remembered that I meant to include so-and-so in the countdown...Which tune stands out most to me, though?  Where should it fall in the rankings?"  Near the end of my revising, I thought, "I never checked on so-and-so's new release this year.  Oh, wait.  It's actually not a new release but a compilation of older material.  Whew...That's one less decision I have to make."  Knowing there was so much good music from which to choose this year is a good so-called problem to have.  In music, at least, 2016 has been a positive year.

Back to Christmas-related content tomorrow...After all, there's a lot of captivating Christmas music to highlight, as well.

Favorite music of 2016

It was a crowded field for good singer-songwriter material, jazz, and cover tunes this year.  It was challenging for me to compile a list of my favorite music in 2016--so much so that I restricted myself to a one-song-per-artist rule.  I'll start with my top 20 favorite songs, as of this moment:

   20.  How Can It Be?-Bria Skonberg
(No wonder Skonberg has received such enthusiastic reviews as an artist to watch.  Her silky vocals, which bring Diana Krall to mind, and commanding trumpet playing carry this tune impressively.  Check out her Madison Square Park performance of it on YouTube.  This is one of the highlights from her latest release, "Bria."  Also recommended: "Malaguena" and "Down In The Deep.")
   19.  Porch Light-Aoife O'Donovan
(This tune, like many others on O'Donovan's release, "In The Magic Hour," tackles the subject of loss and carrying on under less than ideal circumstances, gracefully.  I've come to view a new release by O'Donovan the same way I view a new one by Mary Chapin Carpenter; I know there will be a high level of grace, sensitivity, and thoughtfulness in her vocals and lyrics.) 
   18.  Mashol varnak-Blahalouisiana
(Appealingly retro, tuneful vocals sung in Hungarian, whirling organ, and an engaging hook that would flow well after "Fine" by The Cardigans.)
   17.  Song For Irene-Eric Johnson
(It was a pleasant surprise to hear a new release from Johnson this year.  If you listened to album rock radio in 1990, you probably remember his blistering guitar instrumental, "Cliffs Of Dover," from his strong album, "Ah Via Musicom."  "Forty Mile Town" is an excellent example of his more contemplative, singer-songwriter abilities from that album.  Johnson returned this year with an all-acoustic album that includes this contemplative instrumental.  Although it isn't sequenced as such on the CD, it makes an effective prelude to a more frenetic tune, "Once Upon A Time In Texas.")
   16.  When You're Gone-Amanda Shires
(An ear-catching uptempo powerpopish/countryish tune; the strategically used echo on Shires' voice gives the tune an appropriately spacey feel.)
   15.  You Can Feel It-Young Gun Silver Fox
(One of the easiest-on-the-ears tunes of 2016; I would have guessed it was a late '70s or early '80s hit.  Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams," America's "You Can Do Magic," and Real Estate's "Crime" would all flow smoothly into this tune.)
   14.  Only Desire What You Have-Kate Rusby
(This isn't the easiest advice to follow, but Rusby's angelic voice, this uptempo romp of an arrangement, and Celtic instrumentation make it go down easy.)
   13.  I Live For You-Kevin Whalum
(Some of 2016's best jazzy, subtle vocals; I would have guessed this was a Michael Franks track from the '70s.)
   12.  Future Self-Boehm featuring Melody Noel
(One of the more interesting, sticks-with-you tunes of 2016; lyrically, it posits that even if you could send a letter of warning to your future self, it might not help, and you still might make the same choices.  The video, in which the lyrics are written with a fountain pen on envelopes, is effective, as well.)
   11.  Flipside-Norah Jones
(If released in almost any other year, this uptempo highlight from the "Day Breaks" release would be one of my top 10 shoo-ins.  It's gripping to hear Jones sing and play with this much force.  Other "Day Breaks" standouts: "Peace" and "It's A Wonderful Time For Love," which would segue with Van Morrison's "Moondance.")
   10.  Green Lights-Sarah Jarosz
(A highlight of Jarosz's "Undercurrent" release.  The production values differ from her earlier releases, giving the tune an appropriately airy sound.  It's just as compelling hearing her voice and mandolin in this context.)
    9.  Take Me To The Alley-Gregory Porter
(Movingly sung vocals convey lyrics that work on a spiritual level.  This is the emotive title track of Porter's latest release.  Also recommended: Porter's "Liquid Spirit" CD.)
    8.  Rule The World-Michael Kiwanuka
(Lyrically and vocally impressive, with a trippy guitar part; this strong track uses some of the chords from Morris Albert's "Feelings" and expands on them.)
    7.  Midnight Rider-Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
(An impressive cover of the Allman Brothers Band tune, with Jones powering through the vocals and horns handling the original version's guitar part deftly.  The world lost a strong, resilient singer in Jones this year.)
    6.  Humanism-Jon Batiste & Stay Human
(The theme song from "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" is an infectious slice of jazz/funk in its full version.)
    5.  Every Songbird Says-Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop
(This duo's alternating vocals suggest that a couple's future is likely to be a bright one.  The melody skips and hops appealingly.  I had a hard time ranking this tune, but it's so endearingly sunny and has so much heart that it lands here for me.)
    4.  Black River-Sierra Hull
(A lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally impressive track from Hull's release, "Weighted Mind."  Lyrically, it strikes me as a prelude to the resolve Lyle Lovett shows in "I Will Rise Up."  Even if Alison Krauss hadn't been a backing vocalist on this track, I'd still be reminded of her writing and vocal phrasing.  Heavy hitter Bela Fleck's contribution doesn't hurt, either.   Also recommended: Hull's medley of "Tennessee Waltz" and "After You've Gone," from Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia; the performance, from last year, is a strong example of her vocal prowess and mandolin proficiency.  It's worth checking out on YouTube.)
    3.  The Noisy Days Are Over-Field Music
(One of the best ways to decide on a song ranking is to ask yourself, "How often have I listened to this song?"  I've listened to "The Noisy Days Are Over" many times in the last two-and-a-half months, and it always holds my attention for its entire six minutes and change.  It's one of the catchiest grooves about aging I've heard, and it straddles the line cleverly, in Talking Heads style, between reality and tongue-in-cheek advice.  Also recommended: "It's A Good Thing.")
    2.  These Days-Erin Bode
(Bode makes Jackson Browne's song her own, capturing the wise-beyond-one's-years introspection of the lyrics.  As she mentioned in concert, it's surprising that Browne wrote this when he was still a teenager.  It's one of many sensitively sung covers on Bode's release, "Here And Now."  Other highlights from it are her renditions of Irving Berlin's "Reaching For The Moon" and Gerry Rafferty's "Whatever's Written In Your Heart.")
    1.  Call Off Your Dogs-Lake Street Dive
(Thanks to Rachael Price's strong alto vocals and a catchy groove that would have been at home on the radio during the late '70s or early '80s, this is 2016's best song, in my opinion.  I could imagine it flowing well after Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" or "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses.  To hear more of Lake Street Dive's impressive range, watch their NPR "Tiny Desk" concert.)

Quite a few other respectable tunes didn't make my rankings this year, but here are other noteworthy tracks from 2016, listed alphabetically:

• Behind The Armory-Case/Lang/Veirs (A seemingly unlikely blend of voices--from Neko Case, K.D. Lang, and Laura Veirs--comes together impressively here.)
• Casual Party-Band Of Horses (One of 2016's best tunes for driving; I hear elements of Wilco on this track, released in June, and it could segue with Franz Ferdinand's "Do You Want To.")
• Colours So Fine-Miranda Lee Richards (Appealingly airy, psychedelic vocals and instrumentation on this track, released in January.)
• I'll Remember April-Bill Charlap Trio (From a quiet, piano-anchored release of covers, "Notes From New York."  Also recommended: Charlap's versions of "A Sleepin' Bee" and "Not A Care In The World.")
• Lazarus-David Bowie (A fitting swan song from the "Blackstar" album.  Lyrically, it suggests how Bowie might look back at his life upon entering the afterlife.  Instrumentally, it reminds me of "Space Oddity," but with heavier world-weariness.)
• Lean In Toward The Light-Carrie Newcomer (I maintain that Newcomer has one of the most beautiful alto voices I've heard and that her singing and songwriting are incredibly consistent from CD to CD.  This track, with its uplifting spirit and gospel-style backing vocals, is a highlight of her release, "The Beautiful Not Yet."  Also recommended: "Sanctuary.")
• Like New Year's Day-Sara Watkins (When you just need to step back from a bad situation and breathe, these are suitable lyrics for doing so.)
• One Fine Summer Morning-Britta Phillips (Optimistic vocals and sunny instrumental backing, especially from the flute.)
• Rewards-Kylie Auldist (It's hard to believe this is a 2016 release, as its dance vibe and vocals would have segued smoothly with Madonna's "Holiday" in 1983.)
• Royals-Monika Herzig featuring Jane Bunnett (Herzig anchors this pleasant midtempo jazz combo track on piano.  I also recommend her "Come With Me" album.)
• Something Tamed Something Wild-Mary Chapin Carpenter (A well-written ode to the happy moments of one's past and a reminder to appreciate the present, sung with Carpenter's usual conviction.  It's from her CD, "The Things That We Are Made Of," released in May.)
• These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)-Brad Mehldau Trio (To hear Mehldau's more contemplative side on the piano, check out his "Blues And Ballads" release.  It contains this track and other strong covers, such as "Since I Fell For You" and "I Concentrate On You.")
• This Little Light Of Mine-Jennifer Paskow (Paskow sings these optimistic lyrics in an appealingly breathy voice.  I could imagine Norah Jones doing a credible rendition of this.)
• Try Try Try-Rachael Sage (Appealingly breathy vocals; at times, Sage sings at the top of her range, bringing to mind Sara Watkins on Nickel Creek's "Best Of Luck."  Add a clap-along beat and appealing violin backing, and you've got a winner of a tune.)
• Turn My Head Off-Takenobu (If you listen to only one new alt-rock cello instrumental this year--of the many thousands of such tracks out there, of course--you'd be wise to pick this one.  The floating sensation it conjures up makes it one of the year's better instrumentals.)

If this tune doesn't elicit at least a subtle grin...

Just try taking anything seriously while listening to "Happy Holiday," as performed by Percy Faith's orchestra and chorus.  It's nearly impossible not to at least grin slightly during the chorus's "Whoooooooop!" at 29 and 59 seconds into the tune.  What's Christmas, after all, without at least a few goofy whoops of joy?

One more way "Jingle Bells" should be heard

Another "Jingle Bells" recommendation: Jazz great Jimmy Smith approaches the tune unlike any other artist I've heard.  He keeps the tune chugging along on the organ by playing the essence of the melody, embellishing it, and returning to its essence.  While this approach is common for jazz, it isn't so common for "Jingle Bells."  It works, however, so if you like the way Booker T. & The MGs approach Christmas carols, you'll likely appreciate Smith's take on "Jingle Bells."

Accessing that newfangled website

It's amusing to remember how I had to mention URLs on the air and in voice-overs 20 or so years ago. 

"Visit our website using your desktop computer," the copy would say.  "Just type in (name of site)-dot-com.  That's (name of site)-dot-c-o-m."

Imagine hearing a web address spelled out that specifically today.

Setting the tone with a downcast hymn

I remember standing up a little straighter at Mass when the opening hymn was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."  Whenever an Advent Mass began on such a solemn note, it felt disrespectful to let my mind wander.

When "grand" and "solemn" aren't contradictory terms...

Sometimes, you just have to hear the right version of a Christmas carol to truly appreciate it.  That's the case for me this year with "The Wexford Carol."  Although I've never disliked the carol, it took Alison Krauss's soaring vocals and Yo-Yo Ma's cello accompaniment to make me realize how well the lyrics capture the nativity's solemnity.  Krauss sings it beautifully, with a hard-to-pull-off combination of grandeur and intimacy.  Her voice is an ideal fit for the carol, and Ma's cello underscores her voice perfectly.  I've listened to their rendition of "The Wexford Carol" several times this month, and I'm sure I'll play it several more times.

Charge!

Riding into battle on horseback?  "Good King Wenceslas," performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, is a suitable soundtrack.

FM dial scan highlights LXXIII (Christmas edition)

Five of the better Christmas tunes heard since Sunday:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Sleigh Ride-Los Straitjackets (The band pulls off a rock-infused, guitar-dominated cover of the arrangement The Ventures made famous.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Carol Of The Bells-Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band (Although this has never been one of my favorite carols, this strong, brassy rendition brought to mind Plan 9's take on "Deck The Halls," titled "Fa La La," that our former smooth jazz station, WSSM, used to play.)
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing-Ella Fitzgerald (Inspiring vocals in a rendition I've rarely heard on the radio.)
• I'll Be Home For Christmas-Gene Harris (A slower, contemplative piano rendition.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• We Wish You The Merriest-Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby (One of the more carefree sing-along efforts by both artists.)

Beginning to look like Christmas?

Considering that it starts to look a lot like Christmas earlier every year, it's fitting that the Christmas tune I've heard most often on the radio since last month, in multiple versions, is "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas."  With less than two weeks until Christmas, however, it sounds mostly ironic now.

Context? XX

"We put a bow on the cat, and that's about it."

That offbeat sentence got my attention this morning after I heard an executive/announcer on a Classical radio station say it.  He claimed his wife and he hadn't done much Christmas decorating at home yet.

As much as I love Christmas, however, I won't decorate my cat.  I think that's a reasonable place at which to draw the line.

Haven't heard it on the radio this year, but...

Does Firefall's "Christmas In Love" make anyone else start thinking of the Ethan Allen commercial jingle, "At our house, you're right at home...?"

Persistent (Christmas) earworm alert XLIII

For the past two days, Hagood Hardy's version of "Deck The Halls" has been stuck in my mind.  Hardy's "The Christmas Album" contains possibly the most beautiful instrumental version of "Silent Night" I've ever heard.  During its annual 36--in later years, 24--hours of Christmas music from 1985 to 1991, KYKY played both songs.  Hardy's rendition of "Silent Night" moved me each time I heard it.  His version of "Deck Of The Halls" elicited a different reaction from me.  Whenever I heard it, I thought, "Was this featured on a TV variety show in some bygone era?"  It's easy to imagine the singers dancing across a stage while dressed as candy canes or Christmas trees.  It's difficult to take much of anything seriously after hearing it.  Although I haven't heard it on the radio in 25 years, it's not a version that's easy to forget.

Another spirited Dial-A-Carol session

I've written previously about my experiences with dial-a-Christmas-carol services.  I'm pleased that my annual call today was as pleasant as those in past years.  The woman who tackled my requested carol, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," sang it with pitch-perfect confidence.  I told her, "I have only limited singing ability, so I appreciate hearing someone who truly has that ability and uses it well.  Thank you for the carol."  I meant that, too; it's always comforting for me to remember that even though I can't sing, there's an abundance of great singers whose music I can enjoy.

In memory of Greg Lake

I was to sorry to learn that Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer passed away Wednesday.  In addition to his ELP contributions, he left us the enduring holiday single, "I Believe In Father Christmas."  I've written about it before, but it warrants elaboration.  On November 14, 2014, I wrote, "Yet another explanation for why I was an existentialist from an early age: This is the first Christmas 45 I was ever given.  Lake's thoughtful, measured lyrics offer an unusually tempered view of the season.  By a slight margin, Lake's original version with a choir's backing is the best one; his version with Emerson, Lake & Palmer in which the piano has the last word is a close second."

I've always thought it was unusual for a Christmas song that has been played on the radio since 1975 to acknowledge feeling let down while concluding on an optimistic yet realistic note.  Lake's lyrics,  "I wish you a hopeful Christmas.  I wish you a brave new year.  All anguish, pain, and sadness leave your heart, and let your road be clear," admit that life is sometimes difficult, but that doesn't mean you can't wish others well and hope that things turn out positively for them.

That's as reasonable and realistic of an outlook as any I've ever read on a Christmas card.

"Jingle Bells," as it should be heard

"Jingle Bells" has always struck me as being a tad too simple for a Christmas tune.  Nevertheless, there are at least two strong instrumental versions of it.

Paul Mauriat and his orchestra give "Jingle Bells" a gloss I haven't heard in any other rendition.  The orchestral flourishes at the beginning and end and the unobtrusive vocal backing during the chorus make it possibly the best easy listening version of the tune.

Joel Mabus recorded a lesser known version of "Jingle Bells" under the title, "The One Horse Open Sleigh."  His brisk arrangement for acoustic guitar says all it needs to say in one minute and 39 seconds.  It could also work in a Christmas-themed commercial for Motel 6; it's easy to imagine Tom Bodett's voice over the guitar.

Hearing "Jingle Bells" with the right instrumental presentation makes all the difference.  Otherwise, it just amounts to, "Gee, it's fun to travel by sleigh." I haven't heard either of these versions on the radio in years, but perhaps there's a place on the right noncommercial station for both of them.

"'Winter Wonderland?' A fine tune, but not a hymn..."

During my weekly religion class in third or fourth grade, our class went to church for a Christmas sing-along.  The priest said we were welcome to request any of the Christmas carols in the hymnal.  I remember feeling a bit annoyed when students started requesting tunes such as "Frosty The Snowman" and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer."  There's nothing wrong with either of those tunes, but I thought, "They've been to Mass at this church before.  They should know that those aren't actually carols, and they aren't in the hymnal."

Each time this happened, the priest responded politely.

"That's a nice request, but I'm afraid it isn't in the hymnal," he said.  "That would be a good song you could sing with your family, though."

He handled that situation more gracefully than I probably would have.  Admittedly, "I said your requests have to be Christmas carols in the hymnal!  How much clearer could I be?!" wouldn't convey the proper Christmas spirit.

Stingray Music highlights XXXIII (Christmas edition)

Noteworthy Christmas selections heard Saturday:

Easy Listening

• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-Philip Aaberg (The carol's downcast melody is ideal for a solo piano arrangement.  Aaberg brings out its solemnity.)

Holiday Favorites

• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Lou Rawls (No one sings this with more self-assurance than Rawls.)
• Song For A Winter's Night-Sarah McLachlan (McLachlan slows the tempo of this Gordon Lightfoot song down, making it her own.  Her heartfelt, intimate vocals serve the tune well.  Seek out Lightfoot's original version, as well.)
• Winter Wonderland-The Andrews Sisters (Appealing vocal harmonies that would have fit in on WEW.)

Holiday Hits

• Christmas Is-Lou Rawls (See my review in Holiday Favorites of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.") 

Jazz Masters

• Silent Night-Benny Green (Subtle, sublime piano.)

Jazz Now

• The Christmas Waltz-Grover Washington, Jr. (The tune is equally uplifting as a vocal number, a piano instrumental, or, in this case, a saxophone instrumental.)

Smooth Jazz

• Silent Night-Spyro Gyra (An appealing harmonica part.)

Turning down those pesky crescendos

Adjusting the volume for a long stretch of music is tricky sometimes.  Any piece with a lot of dynamic contrasts doesn't necessarily lend itself to one constant volume.  I drifted off to sleep this morning while listening to The Cambridge Singers And Orchestra, directed by John Rutter.  The volume was at an ideal level for several Christmas carols in a row.  Then, suddenly, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," the CD's closing carol, jolted me awake.  For a moment, I wasn't sure whether to turn it down or stand and salute no one in particular.  I turned it down.  I'm pretty sure I made the right choice.

SiriusXM highlights LVI

Saturday morning standouts:

'40s Junction

• (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons-Nat King Cole Trio (Cole's resonant vocals are just as moving 70 years later.)

'60s On 6

• Incense And Peppermints-Strawberry Alarm Clock (Lyrically, it doesn't make complete sense.  It's a catchy, well-structured, of-its-time oldie, however.)

The Coffee House

• The Middle (Acoustic)-Jimmy Eat World (I praised this tune in a previous post.  It's refreshing to hear that the lyrics about being yourself and following the path that's right for you work just as well acoustically.  That doesn't surprise me.)
• What Am I To You?-Norah Jones (It's difficult to imagine any other vocalist conveying the sultry, old soul quality as gracefully as Jones does here.)

The Groove

• Livin' It Up (Friday Night)-Bell & James (An ear-catching dance vibe from 1979; one of the better one-hit wonder songs of its kind.)

Holly

• A Christmas To Remember-Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton (This song has grown on me over the years.  Rogers and Parton blend well here.)
• The Christmas Waltz-Harry Connick, Jr. (The Lettermen, Beegie Adair, and She & Him recorded my favorite versions of "The Christmas Waltz," but the smooth vocals on this rendition deserve a listen.)

Soul Town

• Show Me The Way To Go-Barbara Acklin & Gene Chandler (A gem of a vocal pairing on a gem of a pleasant midtempo track from 1968; I'm surprised this wasn't a huge seller when it was released.)

1991: Practically just yesterday

In my November 23 post, "The new director for the past quarter-century," I wrote that I still think of my high school orchestra director's successor, Mr. J., as the new orchestra director even though he has been at the orchestra's helm since 1991.

I just read that Mr. J. is retiring at the end of the school year.  This startled me because, after all, he's the new director.  I mean, 1991...That was only 25 years ago.  Recent hits, such as Mariah Carey's "Emotions," Bonnie Raitt's "Something To Talk About," Seal's "Crazy," R.E.M.'s "Shiny Happy People," and Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" were on the charts when Mr. J. took over.  Calling them oldies is clearly premature.  Why, I was enjoying all of five of those songs just recently on the dual cassette tape deck in my dorm room.  As I listened, I read a broadcasting textbook that predicted compact discs would be a fast-growing format that radio stations would use more often.  This prediction was accurate, as I attended a meeting at KCOU where the hot topic was how to allot shelf space for all the CDs that were starting to surpass the number of vinyl releases.  After the meeting, I made sure to shake out the change from my desk drawers.  I had to make sure I had enough money for dinner Sunday.  I had to plan ahead because, after all, the dorms didn't serve dinner on Sundays, the credit union was closed then, and it was a college, so why would there have been an ATM nearby?  After dinner, I typed and printed a paper for my broadcasting class on my word processor. The evening news spotlighted some interesting national, international, and local events that I looked forward to reading more about in the next day's newspaper.  After watching the news, I went for a walk, making sure to pick up a zine that fellow students wrote; after all, how else could their free verse and editorials attract an audience?  Rumor had it that people might be able to reach others all over the world via computer, but of course, that was, um, way off in the future and, well...

...Admittedly, a smidgen of time has passed since 1991.  Congratulations, Mr. J., on building and maintaining such a successful high school orchestra program.  Here's hoping you have an enjoyable retirement.

KCOU playlist flashback: Jazz Odyssey--12/1/92

Here's the music I chose--and, in two cases, what listeners requested--for my 11 a.m.-1 p.m. shift on this day 24 years ago:

   1.  Black & Gold-Antonio Hart
(From "Don't You Know I Care," one of the strongest jazz albums I ever reviewed for KCOU; Hart shines on alto sax throughout, particularly on this blisteringly fast number.  Also recommended: "Jessica's Day" and "From Across The Ocean.")
   2.  Cruisin' For A Bluesin'-Maynard Ferguson
(Continues the mood established in "Black & Gold," in big-band style, with Ferguson's piercing trumpet leading the way.)
   3.  Swing High-Tommy Dorsey
(Reaching back to an earlier era and continuing the mood Ferguson laid down in "Cruisin'...")
   4.  Deep Jungle-Ben Pollack & his orchestra
   5.  Lost Weekend-Woody Herman
   6.  Elevation-Elliot Lawrence & his orchestra
(A progressive big band sound for 1949.)
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   7.  Maca (Apple)-Flora Purim
   8.  Gone With The Wind-Ella Fitzgerald (*)
   9.  Let's Call The Whole Thing Off-Billie Holiday
(Perhaps breaking up over a disagreement about how to pronounce "tomato" isn't the best idea.  Holiday brings this realization to light in her rendition of the much-covered Gershwin tune.)
 10.  Giant Steps-John Coltrane (*)
 11.  Now's The Time-Buddy Rich
(An enduring riff for every player; Rich's drums give the tune its kick.  If you've listened to any traditional jazz radio station anywhere close to regularly, you've almost certainly heard this tune.)
 12.  Bluesology-Modern Jazz Quartet
(From one great rhythm section to another...Given the coolness of the vibraphone part on this tune and other MJQ recordings, I should have played this group more often on "Jazz Odyssey.")
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 13.  A Dream Deferred-David Murray & Friends
 14.  Dr. Macumba-Earl Klugh
(One of Klugh's most impressive Spanish-style guitar melodies.  It's from one of his best albums, "Finger Paintings."  Other highlights from the album: "This Time" and his covers of James Taylor's "Long Ago And Far Away" and "Dance With Me" by Orleans.)
 15.  I Had The Craziest Dream-Joe Pass
 16.  Close Your Eyes-Russell Malone
 17.  Swinghouse-Gerry Mulligan Quartet
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 18.  Theme From "Route 66"-Nelson Riddle and his orchestra
 19.  Addictive Love-Maceo Parker
 20.  Inside Track-Out Of The Blue
(A 1986 track by a six-piece ensemble that should be better known.  This is a good big band-style showcase for a trumpeter and saxophonists.)
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 21.  Snowfall-The Manhattan Transfer
(What vocal ensemble would be better suited to conveying the wonder a lot of us feel during Winter's first snowfall?  Their spirited version of "Caroling, Caroling" is another highlight from "The Christmas Album.")
 22.  Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow-Marcus Roberts
("Let It Snow..." is more credible as a piano instrumental, in my opinion, than it is when sung.  Roberts stays faithful to the tune while putting some of his own personality into it.)
 23.  J.S. Bach: Cantata No. 156: Arioso-Ron Carter
 24.  John Patitucci: Concerto Movement #1: Westward Expansion
(An excellent merging of Classical and jazz styles, right from the introduction.  It's from one of Patitucci's most compelling albums, "Heart Of The Bass.")
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 25.  Summertime-Gary Burton & Friends
(Ending the show on an ironic note for December 1...)
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(*) indicates a listener's request.
--- indicates a station break between songs.