The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Christmasland

On the fifth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 18, 2015, the song of the day is “Christmasland.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Christmasland,” was composed by Robert Farnon, with lyrics by his brother Brian Farnon.

About This Version

Today’s song, “Christmasland,” was recorded in 1968 for Snowfall — The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. The recording was arranged and conducted by the composer, Robert Farnon.

Christmasland

Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968


“Christmasland,” as well as Snowfall–The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: White Christmas

On the fourth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Thursday, December 17, 2015, the song of the day is “White Christmas.”

About This Song

Written by Irving Berlin in 1940, “White Christmas” is one of America’s most beloved Christmas songs. In the not-often heard verse of the song, we hear that “the sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway, there’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24 …” And indeed, Irving Berlin was in Los Angeles when he wrote “White Christmas,” expressing that longing for a traditional back-home Christmas. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1942 and completely dominated the music charts for weeks. Crosby’s single of “White Christmas” is the biggest-selling single record of all time, worldwide, at over 100-million copies.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “White Christmas” several times; for today, I chose his 1987 recording for his tribute album to Irving Berlin, Bennett/Berlin. This recording features Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone and the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

White Christmas - 1987 Version

Listen to White Christmas - 1987 Version on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Dexter Gordon · 1987


“White Christmas,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the third day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Wednesday, December 16, 2015, the song of the day is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by William Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is, until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had a another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this song for his jazzy Christmas album A Swingin’ Christmas; it was arranged by Lee Musiker. On piano is Monty Alexander, with Paul Langosch on bass, Gray Sargent on guitar and Harold Jones on drums.

Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Christmas In Herald Square

On the second day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Tuesday, December 15, 2015, the song of the day is “Christmas In Herald Square.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Christmas In Herald Square,” was written in 1985 by Tony Bennett’s long-time friend and vocal coach, Tony Tamburello. The lyrics are by Joyce Vintaloro.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmas In Herald Square” in 1998 for his album The Playground; it was later collected on The Classic Christmas Album.

Christmas In Herald Square

Listen to Christmas In Herald Square on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2011


“Christmas In Herald Square,” as well as The Classic Christmas Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Snowfall

On the first day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Monday, December 14, 2015, the song of the day is “Snowfall.”

About This Song

“Snowfall” was written in 1941 by Claude and Ruth Thornhill. It’s an interesting song, it’s a cool jazz song, though written in 1941, long before there was such as thing as cool jazz. It’s an evocative and moody song and is quite beautiful.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Snowfall” in 1968 for his first Christmas album: Snowfall–The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. The song “Snowfall” was arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon.

Snowfall

Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968


“Snowfall,” as well as Snowfall–The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, is available from iTunes.

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