New, but Classic, Christmas Music

I stumbled upon a real Christmas gem on iTunes.  Check out Christmas Break: a relaxing classical mix.  It has many of the traditional Christmas tunes but they are low key -- great for the office.  There are some additional non-traditional Christmas songs but they fit the mood perfectly.

I also downloaded Darius Rucker's Christmas album -- Candy Cane Christmas.  You may recall Darius as "Hootie" from Hootie and the Blowfish.  Having spent time in Charleston, South Carolina, I became well-acquainted with the group's music.  He has chosen to head off into a country genre direction but I wish him well.

Fun for the Holidays

I consider this my "fun" blog, since it allows me to write about non-legal issues.  During the months of November and December I tend to listen to mostly Christmas music -- which should be obvious from my last.fm tags!  I enjoy the classics mainly and an occasional new version sung by a crooner.  I also greatly enjoy Handel's Messiah, though the purists will argue that it is technically an Easter program.

I was surprised to recently read, in The History of Jazz, that Nat King Cole originally began as an instrumentalist.  With his voice I can hardly believe that his origins weren't as a vocalist.  It is lucky for all that he went down that path to fame.  His version of The Christmas Song, in my opinion, cannot be beat.

Another holiday staple is Burl Ives.  My introduction to his sound came in the same way many of you may have been introduced to this oddly elfin-looking man; by watching and listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  Come to think of it, I am not sure what Mr. Ives would have done if not focusing on holiday and folk music.  His sound is one that would be unsuitable for most other genres.

There are numerous other classic singers and songs that I hope to bring up during this festive season.  What are your favorites?

Engage with Grace Blog Rally

At the request of my good friend, Bob Coffield, I am joining the Engage with Grace blog rally to spread the word about end of life planning. Unfortunately, I had personal experience with this topic due to the death of my father a few months ago. It is a difficult discussion but one for which I admire my Dad a great deal. He made a decision and we all respected his choice. May you and your loved ones have such a thoughtful and dignified discussion when the time comes.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Diana Krall - What are your thoughts?

I have not listened a great deal to Diana Krall.  However, a few of my Christmas CD compilations include her holiday songs.  I can understand the attraction of her music -- she is attractive and has a sulky, seductive raspy voice -- but she only seems to blurt out lyrics in a rat-a-tat fashion.  She doesn't hold a note very long and if you focus on that fact while listening to her it only seems to get worse.

What are your thoughts on her body of work?  I would appreciate comments and ideas on song selection which would prove me right or wrong.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic kicks off its 2009-10 season this Saturday November 14th.  The evening starts with an opening pre-concert gala reception at 5:00 pm and the performance, entitled "Strings and Things That Swing" begins at 7:30 pm.  The evening will be the premiere of the CJP's chamber group of 10-15 musicians.  Music will include works by the CJP's artistic director, Orbert Davis, and by Bill Russo, Gunther Schuller, and Daniel Schnieder.

The CJP will then travel to Poland and perform "Collective Creativity"  for one week.