[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra6val6Vsjw]
I HAVE to include two versions of this song here. The first one (above) is Harry Connick Jr.'s recording of it. He has a great voice, and I think a great personality...based off interviews and reports from people he's worked with in the media. The shout chorus in the middle is great, especially when it's followed by a light "pling" on the piano and a much softer verse. He really put his modern jazz spin on the tune.
The second version is the traditional version (below) performed here by the Boston Pops (who originally recorded the song in 1949), conducted (in this video) by John Williams. My favorite thing about this song is the association with Christmas. The original version had no words at all, and when words were added they said nothing about Christmas, presents, reindeer, Santa Claus, trees, lights, ornaments...nothing we associate with Christmas except snow. Side Note: There are some versions of the song that substitute the words "Christmas party" for the words "birthday party", but that was not the original intent. If you think about it, the mention of "pumpkin pie" might suggest it's a Thanksgiving song, huh?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATi34PKNPw]
No comments:
Post a Comment