An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett
Today is the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Friday, December 16, 2016 is “Christmasland.”
“Christmasland” was written by brothers Dennis and Brian Farnon.
Tony Bennett recorded “Christmasland” in 1968 for the album Snowfall. Robert Farnon, brother of the composers, arranged and conducted the entire album.
Christmasland
Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968
“Christmasland,” as well as the album Snowfall, is available from iTunes.
Today is the first day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Wednesday, December 14, 2016 is “Snowfall.”
“Snowfall” was written in 1941 by Claude Thornhill (music) and his wife Ruth Thornhill (lyrics). It’s an unusual song: it’s a cool jazz song, though written in 1941, long before there was such as thing as cool jazz. It’s evocative and moody and quite beautiful.
Tony Bennett recorded “Snowfall” in 1968 for the album Snowfall, released that same year. The lovely arrangement was by Robert Farnon, who conducted as well.
Snowfall
Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968
The song of the day for Saturday, July 30, 2016 is “My Favorite Things.”
“My Favorite Things” is, of course, from The Sound of Music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. In the Broadway production, the song was introduced by Mary Martin and sung in the office of the Mother Abbess before Maria leaves to become governess for the von Trapp family. In the film, where it was sung by Julie Andrews, the song was moved to a scene with the children, when there is a storm and Maria sings the song to the children so that they won’t be too scared.
Tony Bennett recorded “My Favorite Things” in 1968 for his wonderful album Snowfall, which was arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon. I believe it is one the finest Christmas albums ever made by anyone, ever.
My Favourite Things
Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968
“My Favorite Things,” as well as Snowfall, is available from iTunes.
I guess it’s Christmas in July here at the Year of Tony Bennett. Here’s Bennett singing today’s song in a lovely Christmas setting. And that cute redhead on the couch? His lovely and extremely talented daughter, Antonia.
Stay warm and, hopefully, indoors during this storm.
Here are some songs to listen to, perhaps with a hot chocolate or a hot toddy, as you sit by the fire … or the heater …
I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band)
Listen to I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008
Snowfall
Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968
On The Twelfth Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Thursday, December 25, 2014, Tony Bennett sings a medley of Christmas carols.
This medley is from his 1968 Christmas album, Snowfall.
The Year of Tony Bennett would like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas / Silent Night / O Come All You Faithful / Jingle Bells / Where Is Love?
Listen to Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas / Silent Night / O Come All You Faithful / Jingle Bells / Where Is Love? on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1968