Jazz

March 09, 2008

River

Song #109: River

Artist:
Herbie Hancock featuring Corinne Bailey Rae

Year:
2007

Notes:
Originally from Joni Mitchell's 1971 Blue album. Has become extremely popular as a Christmas song in the last 15 years or so with dozens of cover versions.   

March 01, 2008

Twistin' Bells

Song #101: Twistin' Bells

Artist: Santo & Johnny

Year: 1960

Notes: Christmas music and The Twist were both popular in 1960 so the Farina brothers incorporated each of them into this Yuletide hit. The year before they had a #1 with the classic Sleep Walk.

February 17, 2008

Peace

Song #88: Peace

Artist: Norah Jones

Year: 2003

Notes: Norah covers fellow Blue Note recording artist, songwriter/pianist Horace Silver.

February 05, 2008

It Hasn't Happened Yet

Song #76: It Hasn't Happened Yet

Artist: William Shatner

Year: 2004


Notes:
Sometimes hammy actor teamed up with musician Ben Folds for the thoroughly outstanding Has Been album. Here's a melancholy song about holiday anxiety.


December 04, 2007

Christmastime Is Here

Song #13: Christmastime Is Here

Artist: Vince Guaraldi

Year: 1965

Notes: Signature song from one of the two greatest Christmas albums of all time.

December 02, 2007

I Bought You A Plastic Star

Song #11: I Bought You A Plastic Star

Artist: Michael Franks

Year: 2003

Notes: His teriffic holiday album almost makes you want to forgive him for Popsicle Toes.

November 27, 2007

What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swinging)?

Song #6: What Will Santa Claus Say (When he Finds Everybody Swinging)?

Artist: Louis Prima And His New Orleans Gang

Year: 1936

Notes: Beloved New Orleans jazz trumpeter and band leader. Was also the voice of King Louie in the movie The Jungle Book. You might remember the orangutan who sang I Wanna Be Like You.