Who knew?

My biggest music-related lesson of 2018:  Despite what Foreigner sings in "Hot Blooded," my stay in the emergency room convinced me that a fever of 103 is not something to which anyone should aspire.  Who would've thought...?

Lesson #1: Don't pan your own product.

One of the big rules about being a DJ in commercial radio is that you don't comment negatively about a song or artist on the air.  I was surprised, then, in the early '90s when a national countdown show finished playing the biggest hits of the year.  After the show ended, the station's DJ took a call from a listener, who said, "Can you believe what was number one this year?  Blech!"  The DJ admitted, "I know; I don't get that either."

Although I didn't care for the song in question, I was surprised to hear a DJ slam a song that his station had played frequently.

Baby steps

I enjoyed hearing a public affairs show host and guests on WSIE asking each other Christmas trivia questions this morning.  When you're not inclined to stop thinking about Christmas four days after the holiday, it's a pleasure to hear people learning that "Silent Night" originated in Austria, egg nog is also known as milk punch, and that Franklin Pierce was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House.

I'm a big fan of prolonging the Christmas spirit, so I say, "Good for them."

"This just in..."

It was getting close to the wire as I went on the radio with a list of basketball scores.  I had asked someone in the office to update the basketball ticker with one of the more hotly anticipated scores as soon as it came in.  While reading the scores on the air, I became concerned as I noticed certain scores hadn't come in yet.  They appeared on the online ticker, however, while I was on the air, so I printed them in the background and thanks to luck, was able to time things so that just as the scores finished printing, I was able to rip them out of the printer and preface them with "This just in..."

To anyone unfamiliar with the background noise of ripping a page off of the printer, it sounded as though I'd overturned a table for no apparent reason.  I met my deadline, however, so that didn't bother me.

Post-holiday orchestral malaise

It always seemed to me, between Christmas and the late January date of the chamber music concert, the high school/college ensemble in which I played just went through the motions.  One year, for two rehearsals in early January, a symphonic violinist filled in for our regular conductor.  I think we all knew, during the middle of one rehearsal, that he wasn't about to bestow accolades upon us.  When he started to tell the ensemble, "When you all made the commitment to play in this orchestra...," we knew he wasn't going to follow up with, "...you may have been somewhat tentative about what you were capable of, but from what I've heard, you've exceeded expectations many times over!  Seldom have I heard such gripping, robust playing..."  While what followed wasn't a severe tongue-lashing, the gist of the substitute conductor's message was, "This might not be one of your big subscription concerts, and it might not attract as much of an audience as your main concerts.  Nevertheless, you're still rehearsing for a scheduled concert; the music and the audience deserve your respect."

I can't say he was wrong to tell us that.

Persistent earworm alert CXVII

Of all the persistent earworms I've experienced, this has been one of the most enjoyable ones.  Multiple versions of "Frosty The Snowman," by Jimmy Durante, The Ronettes, America, Fiona Apple, and Leon Redbone with Dr. John have run through my mind in an unpredictable medley today.  I'm sure I have a subconscious wish for Christmas to come again right away, as the line, "I'll be back again some day," sounds loudest among the lyrics to me.

SiriusXM highlights CIII (Christmas edition)

2003: A cross section of ornaments from one of my family's Christmas trees.

Appealing Christmas selections I've heard today:

'70s/'80s Holidays

• God Bless The Children-B.J. Thomas (In the wrong voice, this could sound treacly or insincere.  Thomas pulls off the right mix of sincerity and perspective in his vocals here, though.  I used to look forward to this track during KYKY's 1985-1991 36--in later years, 24--hours of Christmas music rotation.)

Acoustic Christmas

• Christmas Wrapping-Denny Lloyd (I can't fathom ever wanting to skip Christmas, but after hearing this rendition, I have to respect those who downplay or don't celebrate the holiday.  Lloyd's vocals convey the right balance of fun and resignation, in a wider vocal range than that of the original version by The Waitresses.)
• Frosty The Snowman-Fiona Apple (If "Criminal," "Fast As You Can," or "Shadowboxer" come to mind first when you hear Apple's name, check out Apple's sense of whimsy here, which some listeners might not expect.)

Hallmark Channel Radio

• Joy To The World-Bing Crosby (You're a commanding presence when you can ask everyone to sing in the family key, and everyone complies without question.)

Holiday Pops

• The Christmas Song-American Horn Quartet & Queensland Symphony Horns (A suitably nostalgic arrangement, with appropriately reflective-sounding brass.)
• Sleigh Ride-Imani Winds (If I were walking through the woods and came upon forest animals playing instruments, I suspect it would sound a lot like this.) 

Holiday Traditions

• Happy Holiday-The London Sound 70 Orchestra and Chorus (A throwback of an arrangement for carolers; I've always liked this version since first hearing it on KCFM in 1982.  Apparently, its decadent easy listening sound has kept if off the radio here since then; that's a shame, as this ensemble's 1970 treasure trove of tasteful Christmas carol arrangements deserves more recognition.)  
• Silent Night-The Carpenters (Karen Carpenter's moving voice fits sacred and secular material equally well.)
• Sleigh Ride-Ella Fitzgerald (One of the classier vocal renditions, with big band underpinning.)
• Winter Wonderland-Ray Charles (Everything about this rendition, from the vocals to the keyboard to the fadeout, radiates coolness.)

Holly

• It Feels Like Christmas-Ghost Of Christmas Present ("The Muppet Christmas Carol" soundtrack) (This joyous look at the feeling behind Christmas is a highlight from the movie soundtrack.  Also recommended: "Bless Us All" and "One More Sleep 'Til Christmas.")

Jazz Holidays

• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town-Don Patterson (A bouncy organ rendition, with plenty of room for the guitarist to improvise.)
• Winter Wonderland-Chet Baker (This fast trumpet-led rendition cooks.  If you want to breeze rather than stroll through a winter wonderland, this is your version.)

One "Merry Christmas" wish after another

Looking back at the Christmas Eve and Day radio shows I recorded for myself starting at age 12, it seems as though I said, "Merry Christmas," at least four times during every intro.  I know that's an exaggeration, but it seemed like each break sounded like, "Merry Christmas!  You're in the middle of another half hour of continuous Christmas music for your merry Christmas.  Merry Christmas to everyone, as Greg Lake sings 'I Believe In Father Christmas' on CATZ 105 FM.  Merry Christmas..."

Although I'd be more refined on the air now, this is a holiday for which I hope I never lose my enthusiasm.  So, even though I don't have a radio station of my own, Merry Christmas.

FM dial scan highlights CVII (Christmas edition II)

Weekend Yuletide highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• While Shepherds Watched (Hail Chime On)-Artisan (After hearing a few different versions of this at varying tempos, I'm convinced Artisan's fast tempo is the most appropriate one.  After you hear the chorus enough times, it's difficult not to sing along.  I'd be inclined to give money to any carolers showing this much camaraderie, even if they aren't requesting it.  Also recommended: Kate Rusby's version, just titled "Hail Chime On.")
• Angels We Have Heard On High-Mayim (This beautifully sung rendition from these three women never wears out its welcome with me.  If this isn't a suitably angelic interpretation, I don't know what would be.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Snowfall-Ahmad Jamal (If you prefer that your Christmas music not be overtly Christmasy, this rendition, with its brisk piano part and percussive backbeat, might appeal to you.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town-Ray Charles (With the possible exception of Lou Rawls, no other vocalist presents his "Look, kids, be good because Santa's watching" case more persuasively than Charles.)
• Silver Bells-Johnny Mathis (Effectively placed bells during the intro start this rendition off on the right foot, and Mathis wrings more emotion from the tune than most vocalists.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KNOU-HD2 and WSIE 88.7 FM

• Celebrate Me Home-Al Jarreau (As much as I like the original version by Kenny Loggins, I was pleased to hear two radio stations give this underplayed Jarreau cover its due within 12 hours of each other.  Jarreau conveys the feeling of being welcomed with open arms as effectively as Loggins.)
  

Credit for making an entrance

Credit to Steve Schenkel and Ashley Mason for one of the cooler versions of "What Child Is This?" I've heard.  Vocally and instrumentally, everything clicks.  I suspect that three wise men visiting the newborn Christ child with this as their theme music would put a lot of thought into the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they present.  After all, when you have a theme this hip to live up to...

FM dial scan highlights CVI (Christmas edition)

Six of the better Christmas selections I've heard recently:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Jingle Bells-Booker T. & The MGs (A hip organ instrumental, as expected.  Based on the intro, I half-expect The Supremes to start singing "You Can't Hurry Love."  Later, when the guitar kicks in, I half-expect The Ventures to hijack the tune for at least a few measures.)
• Christmas Time Is Here-Kermit Ruffins (One of the many deservedly acclaimed melodies from "A Charlie Brown Christmas."  Ruffins shows that the plaintive piano part translates perfectly to the trumpet.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Winter Wonderland-Brother Jack McDuff featuring John Hart (A fine, straight ahead organ-and-guitar rendering with a bounce.)
• The Christmas Waltz-Jane Monheit (Brisk, cheery vocals with appealing vibraphone backing.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Brian McKnight (Smooth-as-silk vocals and harmonica.)

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

• Leroy Anderson: A Christmas Festival (BBC Concert Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin, conductor) (There's a classic recording of this, which The Boston Pops Orchestra performs under Arthur Fiedler.  Its majestic opening that meshes "Joy To The World" with "Deck The Halls" is ingrained in my memory, and those of many listeners, at Fiedler's tempo.  Slatkin's interpretation, in a slightly faster tempo, is equally enjoyable, however.)
  

The warmth of Christmas, conveyed through winds

If you can find it, it's worth tracking down the Oklahoma Woodwind Quintet's "Christmas Spiritual Medley" of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "Sweet Little Jesus Boy."  The ensemble's version of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" got my attention, as it sounds more like forest animals playing than any other piece I've heard.  That's a heartwarming image to have any time, but especially during Christmas.

(Credit to my brother for finding out who recorded this track that our former Classical station, KFUO, used to play at Christmas.)

Humor in the eye of the beholder?

Kudos to the talk show host who, when his co-host recommended watching a video today of someone falling, said he didn't find such incidents funny.  He added sarcastically that if the person in the video had coughed up blood and died, it would have been hilarious.

I've said, only half-jokingly, that the decline of civilization started with "America's Funniest Home Videos."  It's good to know someone else thinks the same way.

Not a mandate, but...

Just because Karen Carpenter sings, "Greeting cards have all been sent.  The Christmas rush is through," doesn't mean I have to wait until that's the case before listening to the song.

And yet, I did that once again this year.  I know it's not a mandate, but it just feels right.

Train horn/Christmas carol synchronicity

A train conductor blew the warning horn today as I sat inside, listening to Take 6's rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful."

My first reaction: "If the horn had to be blown, that was a good place in the music for it; the horn fits reasonably well with this passage."

My second reaction: "I hope anyone who was standing, sitting, or walking on the train tracks moved to safety in time."

While that wasn't the correct order in which to react, I do hope everyone's safe.

Music for seasonal ambling

About to mosey back to a ranch with your horse?  At this time of year, let Tommy Emmanuel's instrumental rendition of "Winter Wonderland" be your accompaniment.  The tempo and feel that the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin convey are ideal for this--provided neither your horse nor you suddenly picks up speed and starts galloping off.

A caroler's challenge

Yesterday, I made my annual call to a dial-a-carol hotline.  The caroler, Elizabeth, honored my request of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  I thought she was wise to change the key to fit her voice when needed.  My singing range is limited, so I would have done the same.

That's a reasonable form of Christmas cheer while staying in one's comfort zone.

In memory of Nancy Wilson

I was sorry to learn that jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson passed away yesterday.  Tracks I'd recommend from her long career are:

• The Christmas Waltz (I listen to Wilson's 1968 version of this every year around Christmas; it conveys the warmth and beauty of the season compellingly, and it deserves more radio airplay than it usually gets.)
• Love Won't Let Me Wait (A go-to track when I wanted to follow one thoughtful, elegant vocal number with another on WEW.)
• Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head  (If you think of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," you probably think of the B.J. Thomas hit.  Although it's a strong, definitive version of the tune, Wilson's version deserves its due, as well.  Wilson sings it as a contemplative jazz/easy listening number, which suits the lyrics.  Instrumentally, her version is a winner, as well.  The piano underscoring matches the eloquence of Wilson's vocals, and the piano intro brings to mind Richard Harris's "MacArthur Park."  The closing trumpet notes are par for the course in a Hal David-Burt Bacharach arrangement.)
• Save Your Love For Me (with Cannonball Adderley) (Classy and heartfelt.  Al Jarreau's version is also excellent.)
• Trip With Me (I wonder if any airline, division of tourism, or travel agency has ever used Wilson's version of "Trip With Me" in a commercial.  This track from 1970, in which Wilson sings about inviting someone to go on vacation with her, makes a getaway sound enticing.  Vocally, it reminds me of '60s era Dionne Warwick and The Fifth Dimension.  Its endearing retro vibe would likely catch a lot of customers' ears.) 
• Turned To Blue (Thanks to stations like WSIE and SiriusXM's Real Jazz, I've come to realize how strong of a vocalist Wilson is and how she sings with just the right amount of emotion on songs like this.)
• The Very Thought Of You  (Polished, elegant vocals on this well-covered standard.)

When not to sound manic

When having to announce and back announce Sting's version of "Gabriel's Message" on the air, I made sure not to sound overly upbeat.  It's a good rendition but a stark, solemn carol, so it's appropriate to dial back one's cheeriness when announcing it.  "Sting starts off another set of Christmas music on (name of station)," should suffice.

Motley sources for a fine carol

Credit for imagination should go to Donald Moore, who arranged the Holiday Brass rendition of "God Rest Ye (listed as You on the label) Merry, Gentlemen."  Not just anyone would think to have the Kirkwood Children's Chorale singing while Robert Souza plays some freewheeling jazz trumpet, and the piano accompanist plays the rhythm from Dave Brubeck's "Take Five."  It's an unlikely blending of influences that works, giving the carol a hip yet reverential sound.

Five gold rings, with a bonus

Back announcing I heard on KCFM in 1984: "John Denver and The Muppets there with 'The 12 Days Of Christmas,' and Miss Piggy on the Ba-dum-bum-bums."

At just about any other time of year, sung Ba-dum-bum-bums would be left uncredited on the air. 

For a reverential holiday, Christmas has its appealing irreverent aspects, as well.  Adding some levity to the "Five gold rings" lyric is one of them.

An ambiguous ending

I listened to a version of "Sleigh Ride" today in which a chorus cried out, "Ohhhhhhhhhh!" at the end of the song.  I'm still not sure if that was meant to indicate exhilaration or if the sleigh ran into a tree.  Either way, it was an unusual choice.

Honoring my Christmas tree's expectations

This afternoon, I almost played The Norman Luboff Choir's version of "O Tannenbaum."  I refrained, however, because I thought, "It's still light outside.  Better to play it tonight when I've moved the tabletop Christmas tree into the living room and turned it on..."

"...And, then what?" I thought.  "Am I expecting that the Christmas tree will say, 'Thank you for that. That choir's version is reverential, and I appreciate that?''"

Well, yes...During a season when toys allegedly come to life and start marching, maybe I do expect that--in the back of my mind, at least.

Stretching the definition of Christmas music

Approximately 20 years ago, an adult contemporary station here included Eddie Money's "Peace In Our Time" as part of its Christmas music rotation.  If I'd been a program director, I wouldn't have included it, as it isn't a Christmas song.  Still, its message is in keeping with the Christmas spirit, so I can't fault the p.d. who programmed it.

"Enjoy our background music randomizer..."

Recently, while grocery shopping, I heard Al Jarreau's rendition of "Carol Of The Bells," followed immediately by the Genesis tune, "I Can't Dance."

Programming music for shoppers must be easy when you have no regard for segues.

Multiple Carols Amalgamation Central

Looking for a carol that sounds original but simultaneously familiar?  Listen to The Four Freshmen's version of "And The Bells Rang!"  It covers most of the secular basics you'd expect in a carol--bells ringing, obviously, but also children singing, tinsel on a tree, reindeer, and snow.  I was surprised to read that it's a traditional Swedish carol, as it sounds like an in-studio answer to the question, "How do we come up with lyrics that capture a lot of the things people like about Christmas while saying them in a relatable way that hasn't been said before?"  It's sung pleasantly, though, so I let play it out when it came up frequently on WRTH years ago.  If you get to the end of the tune and find it doesn't do much for you, it's only two minutes out of your life.

Three other notes about The Four Freshmen's "Freshmas!" CD:

• If you like the unhurried way The Beach Boys approach their vocals on "We Three Kings," you'll probably enjoy The Four Freshmen's similar take on the carol.
• The Four Freshmen's version of "The First Noel" approximates what The Beach Boys might have sounded like performing before a church's congregation in the '60s. 
• When iTunes pulled up the "Freshmas!" CD, it misidentified the group as Fat Beat Soundsystem.  I'm still having trouble imagining how a group by that name would approach "And The Bells Rang!"

Favorite music of 2018

Overall, I'd characterize 2018 as a commendable year for music, particularly for indie rock and tunes with echoes of the 1970s in their step.  There were also some gems in the singer-songwriter, jazz, and R&B genres.  I always find it somewhat challenging to rank music, as it requires making apples-and-oranges comparisons.  Nevertheless, here are my 25 favorite songs of the year:

25.  Lovely Day-Shamie Royston
(A fine piano cover of my favorite Bill Withers tune; despite its title, Royston's interpretation brings a contemplative rainy day to mind.)
24.  Short Court Style-Natalie Prass
(This is one of 2018's more pleasant melodies.  If I didn't know otherwise, I might have thought this was a '70s R&B track.)
23.  This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)-Dave Koz featuring Kenny Lattimore & Shelea
(This strong cover of Natalie Cole's hit replicates the original version's exuberance compellingly.)
22.  Lash Out-Alice Merton
(A cathartic track from Merton's EP, released in April.  If you usually hold your tongue and let your anger well up inside, you might feel like this.  Merton's forthright vocals mesh well with the bubbling undercurrent of bass that would have fit in on either of Joe Jackson's 1979 albums.)
21.  Whistle On Occasion-Kim Richey featuring Chuck Prophet
(Released in March, this is a highlight of Richey's "Edgeland" release.  Two voices and a guitar illustrate how  satisfying it is to savor life's pleasant, so-called minor moments.  This could segue with Shawn Colvin's version of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.")
20.  Happy Unhappy-The Beths
(Catchy power pop lead and backing vocals in this appealing tune for driving, released in August.  Cruiserweight's "Slack" could segue with it.)
19.  Whatever It Takes-The James Hunter Six
(Hunter and company capture the spirit and vocal stylings of Sam Cooke impressively.)
18.  Smilessence-The Reggie Pittman & Loren Daniels Quartet
(How the Beatles tune, "You Never Give Me Your Money," would sound as a trumpet-led, tropical fiesta instrumental.)
17.  Sidekick-Soulive
(Jazz meets R&B in this smooth, steady instrumental groove, with more than a hint of the '70s in its arrangement.)
16.  General Thunder-Julian Lage
(This uptempo guitar instrumental made an immediate impression upon me.  There's a general consistency throughout Lage's "Modern Lore" album, released in February.  Much of it fits under the smooth jazz banner, but if you're looking for a more experimental track, check out "Earth Science.")
15.  Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays-Unknown Mortal Orchestra
(1978 meets 2018 in this dance track with a motif late in the track that reminds me of 7 Worlds Collide's "Reptile.")
14.  Can't Run But-Paul Simon with yMusic
(It's ear-catching to hear Simon sing this reworked version with backing that's reminiscent of "Peter And The Wolf.")
13.  The Paradise Within (Paradise Found)-The Manhattan Transfer
(I had a preconceived notion while listening to the group's release, "The Junction."  I expected their version of US3's "Cantaloop (Flip Out!)," which WSIE has played numerous times, to be the standout track.  While it's a fun rendition, the grace and sensitivity with which the group sings, "The Paradise Within...," made an even stronger impression on me.)
12.  All This Love-Take 6
(As with The Manhattan Transfer, I had certain expectations before hearing Take 6's latest release, "Iconic."  I was expecting this longtime a cappella group's cover of Al Jarreau's "Roof Garden" or Christopher Cross's "Sailing" to be my favorite track.  Although they sing solid versions of both songs, their rendition of this DeBarge hit is, to my ears, the best fit for their voices.)
11.  Sovay-Low Lily
(This strong, brisk rendition of a traditional English tune, released in March, features excellent Celtic-style singing, mandolin, fiddle, and guitar.)
10.  I Was A Fool-Sunflower Bean
(This track from the "Twentytwo In Blue" release combines at least four strong elements; Julia Cumming's vocals remind me of Blondie and Harriet Wheeler from The Sundays, there's a definite resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams," the guitar arrangement brings the best of Real Estate to mind, and the alternating vocals between Nick Kivlen and Cumming remind me a bit of The Human League.)
  9.  Nobody-Mitski
(I have to respect any song that can combine such disparate elements as Isaac Hayes's "Theme From 'Shaft,'" ELO's "Livin' Thing," and Keren Ann's "Not Going Anywhere," while still sounding fresh and original.  These are some of 2018's most endearing vocals and piano playing.)
  8.  Old Stuff, New Glass-The Orielles
(Great jangly synergy between the guitar, bass, and vocals; a power pop highlight of 2018.)
  7.  Have Faith-Sloan
(Another power pop highlight of the year; pairing encouraging lyrics for someone going through a rough time with a melody similar to Tom Petty's "A Higher Place" is a winning formula.)
  6.  Golden Ticket-The Bamboos
(This release from July is a catchy blast of positivity; who couldn't root for someone who finds happiness this way?  This sounds like an early '70s R&B groove, to its credit.  Swing Out Sister's "Am I The Same Girl?" would sound great before it, and Natalie Prass's "Short Court Style" would fit well after it.)
  5.  Move-Milo Greene
(Mysterious, breathy vocals; lyrically, this haunting track could segue with Karla Bonoff's "Somebody's Eyes" or Snow Patrol's "Shut Your Eyes.")
  4.  A Little More Love-Juliana Hatfield
(Back in 1992, when I was playing Hatfield's music on KCOU, I never imagined she'd release an album of Olivia Newton-John covers.  She did, however, in April, and it suits her vocal range well.  Unfortunately, "A Little More Love" didn't usually receive radio airplay here after it dropped off the charts.  Hatfield sings one of Newton-John's stronger hits with appropriate resolve, and the crunchy guitar underpinning makes it sound as if Hatfield wrote it.  Also recommended: "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Magic.")
  3.  High Horse-Kacey Musgraves
(With a hook reminiscent of late '70s Bee Gees tunes and Luscious Jackson's "Here," "High Horse"  doesn't leave a listener's mind easily.  The tune's hook, combined with direct lyrics about someone who has an inflated opinion of himself, make this one of 2018's standouts.  It's one of the most tuneful ways of conveying that you can't stand someone that I've ever heard.  Turning such Carly Simon-like, "You're So Vain"-ish irritation into a groove this danceable warrants respect.)
  2.  The Duke's Message-Tommy Emmanuel featuring Suzy Bogguss
(One of the year's most beautifully sung tunes; Bogguss approaches the vocals as she does in "Shenandoah.")
  1.  See You Around-I'm With Her
(Generally, it isn't easy to break up with someone and bid that person farewell.  This excellent trio of singers and acoustic players--Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan--captures this heartbreaking difficulty perfectly in their vocals, with the most movingly sung chorus of the year.)

An overlooked cover tune XLV

I praised The Bamboos recently for pulling off an appealing early '70s R&B sound on this year's "Golden Ticket."  I discovered recently that they also nailed a late '60s sound on their instrumental cover of the Archie Bell & The Drells tune, "Tighten Up."  As catchy as the original version is, The Bamboos make the tune work equally well with a flute and rhythm section.  If this doesn't get you moving or at least shaking your head in time, people might justifiably wonder if you're a cyborg.

"A field trip? Bah humbug!"

During my junior year of high school, I had the privilege of playing with a national string orchestra in Indianapolis.  I asked each of my teachers to sign a permission slip.  All of them congratulated me--except one.  My Algebra II teacher initialed the form grudgingly, saying, "I don't promote things like that (i.e. field trips.)  If the (principal's) office says I have to, though, I'll sign this."

Wisely, I just thought my response instead of saying it.  As the teacher initialed the form, I thought, "Let's see...A once-in-a-lifetime chance to play with other musicians from around the country at an advanced level or drawing lines on graph paper and finding x and y-intercepts.  I think the choice is clear."

Caught up in the moment II

Years ago, I had a dream about a square dance.  That surprised me, as it was out of character.  I was even more surprised, however, when the square dance caller cried out while playing a fiddle, "Dance around!  Dance around!  Dance around with a calico!"  The dancers didn't question this.  Each of them picked up a conveniently stationed calico cat and started dancing around with her.  In the dream, I asked one of the cats, "Doesn't it startle the other calicos and you to have people pick you up and dance around with you?"  She replied, inexplicably in English, "It does sometimes, but I don't question it.  After all, 'Dance around with a calico,' is a decree I could have written."

It's interesting, in the spirit of a song, how people--and calicos--will sometimes respond.

One hip Santa

I've written previously that The Mills Brothers, in my opinion, sing the best version of "Here Comes Santa Claus."  My pick for best instrumental rendition of it, however, goes to the Ramsey Lewis Trio.  Lewis replaces the somewhat stately nature of most renditions with a cool, syncopated rhythm on the piano.  I'd like to think Santa would leave an extra present--or at least a note of appreciation--for anyone thoughtful enough to have this playing when he arrives.