Sunday, December 25, 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! NO. 1 + ON THE HAPPIEST, MOST BLESSED DAY OF THE YEAR

TODAY IS SPECIAL - ALL OF CHRISTENDOM CELEBRATES THE BIRTH OF THE SON OF GOD

It's finally here. Through one of the strangest years in a very long time we can bring ourselves back to that place where we honor and celebrate the birth of Christ. I have selected several tunes  I hope will bring joy to you and yours on this Christmas Day.


First up on this Christmas Day is The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing the greatest Christian composition ever written. It is a part of George Friedrich Handel's great oratorio Messiah, written in 1741 - The Hallelujah Chorus.



Second, a contemporary arrangement of The Hallelujah Chorus with a lead in by  Twila Paris singing Worthy Is The Lamb from  The New Young Messiah featuring some of gospel's greatest singers - Enjoy!
 


And - On this great day, please enjoy Do You Hear What I Hear by one of the greatest altos singing today - Jamie Paul and The Christ Church Choir of Nashville.
 


And to close out the 2016 Countdown, here is some poetry from a bona fide real singer/songwriter noted for his plain spoken lyrics and sarcastic humor. From Texas, of course,  Hayes Carll performs a simple acoustic version of Grateful for Christmas. Just listen, you'll love it.


 
ENJOY THIS GREAT DAY - MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

d.l.stafford
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Saturday, December 24, 2016

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE - GOTTA DANCE FOR NO. 2 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT A DANCER - THIS SHOULD MAKE YOU WANNA DANCE OR AT LEAST THINK ABOUT IT - ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS

Dancing has never been my strong suit, but, I love watching great dancers dance. For today's final day before the BIG day, I thought I would share some dancers in various settings for your enjoyment. Here's hoping that you have finally finished your shopping. Everything is under the tree or at least on its way from AMAZON or some other on line retailer. Just sit back and enjoy some serious footwork or, if you're so inclined, hop up and swing one with your favorite partner.
 
  
First and foremost is this amazing tap number by the World Famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes have been dancing over ninety years! Ms. Nomad, an excellent dancer, and I had the privilege of seeing this very group of dancers perform this number live last year at Christmas. The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall at Christmas should be on every traveler's Bucket List.
 


Then I found this unique dance number by five guys. I don't know who they are but they are pretty good and they bring an entirely different approach to dancing while celebrating Christmas.



And then there is this. A short clip showing dancers performing great dancing from every age. The variety of American dance is truly something to behold, especially at Christmas. I hope you enjoy this short tribute to some of the best.



We May Be Totally Wrong - But We Can All Be Dancin' Fool's - Merry Christmas!!!

d.l.stafford
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Friday, December 23, 2016

TWO DAYS LEFT - BRING ON THE DIVAS FOR NO. 3 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

WITH ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT - YOU NEED TO HEAR THE GIRLS WITH POWER

That's right, we have to pay homage to the great power female singers at Christmas. The singers in today's Countdown are all known talented power singers. They change every song they sing, whether its a Christmas standard or a brand new original number. So, please enjoy some tunes that show the true power of these great divas. They take every song to another level.





First up - The incomparable Celine Dion performing a classic with a large choir and many onlookers in a hotel lobby. Canada keeps sending us great talents. And that's a good thing!
 


OK - we all know that Mariah, who has sold over 250 million records, is a bona fide power singer. But for today's homage, I thought this very innovative presentation would fit. The kids are great in this too.
 


And one of country's true gifts - Martina McBride sings OH HOLY NIGHT acapella - Amazing!



And last, but not least, Whitney Houston, who left us much to soon, sings Joy To The World with a great choir behind her. Joy Indeed!!
 


If you are not awake after today's tunes - Merry Christmas and go back to bed!

d.l.stafford
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Thursday, December 22, 2016

IT'S A RANDON KINDA DAY - NO. 4 + A FEW MORE ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

TODAY IS JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS FOR VARIETY AND RANDOM TUNES
 
That's right fellow Nomads. Sometimes you just go find stuff that you maybe didn't here before or appreciate. Well, today is one of those days. I have picked out some tunes that you NEVER hear on the radio and probably wouldn't buy or download. That's why I am here and that's why I spend the countless hours searching new, old, great and weird Christmas Music for the followers of this travel blog. Please enjoy!
 
 
First up is TRAIN, a Roots Rock band, giving us an interesting song with great vocals and a very cool video. Enjoy SHAKE UP CHRISTMAS.
 


This song, written by the great Leonard Cohen, has been recorded by almost everybody. I thought this simple version was worth sharing. Today's first Bonus Track - Hallelujah by four guys and a guitar.
 


Take 6 - One of the greatest acapella groups to ever record delivers one of the most innovative arrangements of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.
 


No Christmas song list would be complete without Bob Dylan's humorous rendition of Must Be Santa with a Tom Petty wig.
 


And then we have the one and only Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers doing their version of Christmas All Over Again.
 



Then there is a pure, simple folk/rock version of the classic by The Avett Brothers - Silent Night.



I Hope One Of These Tunes Made Your Christmas More Merry!

d.l.stafford
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

JUST 5 DAYS LEFT - A TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS TUNES EVER - NO. 5 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

BLUE CHRISTMAS, WRITTEN IN 1948, BECAME AN INSTANT CLASSIC IN 1968

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, performed this tune on NBC TV in 1968 with four guys - two guitarists, a percussionist and a guy just singing backup and tapping on a guitar case. Wearing a full black leather 1960's suit/leisure suit, ELVIS made this song a forever and ever classic. Most consider this to be the best recording of this famous Christmas tune, and I think I would have to agree.

What makes the song so compelling is its simplicity with just Elvis and a few guys backing him up. That voice is so compelling and allowed to be heard without all of the over production generally seen with big stars. And they don't get any bigger than The King of Rock and Roll!
 
So please enjoy the one and only Elvis performing No. 5 on the 2016 Christmas Countdown - BLUE CHRISTMAS



For a Bonus Track, enjoy the youngest crooner working today with a big band behind him- Michael Buble'.



And from one of the top folk/rock bands performing today - The Lumineers with another Blue Christmas Bonus Track.
 


Here's Hoping You Get All The Ones You Love Around For Christmas!!

d.l.stafford
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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

POWER SINGING AT ITS BEST - NO. 6 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

DAVID PHELPS IS ONE OF A KIND - UNLIMITED POWER WITH ZERO STRESS

David Phelps is one of the most gifted Christian singers working today. In addition to anchoring the high tenor voice with The Gaither Vocal Band, he has released numerous solo records. He is known, in musical circles among people who know, as the ultimate high voice power tenor, lending a commanding presence in every note with virtually no strain or stress, only unmitigated elegance, grace and power. His interpretation of today's classic is absolutely the best I have ever heard.
 
So, just sit back, turn up the volume and listen to this powerful singer deliver No. 6 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown - David Phelps performs O HOLY NIGHT.
 


If this doesn't move you - Well that's on you - Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
THENOMADarchitect

Monday, December 19, 2016

IT'S MONDAY MOVIE TIME FOR CHRISTMAS - NO. 7 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

 
ENJOY SOME SCENES FROM THE BEST OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS CINEMA FOR THE NO. 7 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN





First - A truly hilarious scene from a truly hilarious movie when Clark (Sparky) Griswold can't seem to get the Griswold Light Show to work in Christmas Vacation. An instant classic!!
 


Then there are two scenes from the greatest Christmas Movie ever made. In It's A Wonderful Life , by renown director Frank Capra, George Bailey, the good guy, ponders his life and contemplates suicide. And then Clarence the angel shows up and the truth of George's life gives him eternal hope. Scene one is after he realizes that he needs his life back and Scene Two shows the shear joy of George wishing every soul in Bedford Falls MERRY CHRISTMAS! Released in 1946, I watch this thought provoking and feel good movie every year. If you have never seen it, you need to. It will make you feel the best about this wonderful season we are celebrating.
 

 


And finally, a classic modernization of Dicken's A Christmas Carol and an incredible scene with a soliloquy by Bill Murray as a transformed Scrooge from the 1988 comedic remake of the classic story  of Christmas Scrooged.
 


I Hope Your Christmas Is Filled With, Love, Joy and Laughter!!!

d.l.stafford
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Sunday, December 18, 2016

TAKE TWO ICONS ON THIS SUNDAY AND YOU GET POWER AND NUANCE - NO. 8 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

The Former Doobie Brothers Lead and One of the Great Tenors of Country Join Voices

Michael McDonald and Vince Gill have long been established as great singers, writers and producers. When they combine on today's Countdown Tune, you see what great vocal talent, one from rock and one from country, can do with one of the great standards of Christmas Music. They bring power and nuance to one of the truly great songs of Christmas.
 
 
So please enjoy this powerful rendition of What Child Is This? - NO. 8 on The Christmas Countdown by Vince Gill & Michael McDonald.
 


Enjoy This Sunday and Merry Christmas

d.l.stafford
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Saturday, December 17, 2016

BRUNO MARS WITH A LITTLE DOO WOP FOR CHRISTMAS - NO. 9 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

When I saw Bruno Mars and company perform the UK's  Mark Ronson's tune  "Up Town Funk", I thought - There is hope for Pop Music. His voice, his dancing and his music, combining R&B, funk, hip hop and pop, was very impressive. That tune was an absolute mega hit, remaining No. 1 on Billboard's Top 100 for fourteen weeks. This performer, born and raised in Hawaii, has it all - the looks, the voice, the steps and he really seems like a nice guy who loves performing. And no lip sinking for this talented singer!

And for today's 2016 Christmas Countdown, he adds a little doo wop to a well known classic - No. 9 on today's Countdown Tune - White Christmas by Bruno Mars.
 


OK - I can't help it. Apart from the banal late night talk fests  we get through our tubes every night, we get an occasional  innovative piece of entertainment from another Brit, Late Late Night's James Corden, and a host of various stars singing their hits with Corden riding in a car - Hilarious!! So, I know its not a Christmas song, but, for fans of talent and humor, here is another Bonus Track - Bruno Mars and James Corden doing Up Town Funk in Karaoke Carpool.
 


So Get Funky AND Merry This Christmas!!!!

d.l.stafford
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Friday, December 16, 2016

FROM THE TOP CHANTEUSE AROUND TODAY - DIANA KRALL WITH NO. 10 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

And she can play pretty good too!

We had the pleasure of seeing the multiple Grammy winning Diana Krall, one of the the top female jazz singers and pianists today, at the world class music venue, The Laura Turner Concert Hall at the Shemerhorn Symphony Center, in Nashville several years ago. Her appreciation and understanding of the history of jazz and its most accomplished contributors is very impressive. She brings all of that history into play with a very modern, contemporary approach to jazz. With a smooth, edgy contralto voice and elegant keyboarding - Well - Like they say in some circles - The girl can flat out sang AND play! She's also married to Elvis Costello. I'm not sure I get that, but, whatever works, right?
 
Today's Countdown Tune gives us Krall showing her virtuosity and scatting abilities with The Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - No. 10 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown - Diana Krall with Jingle Bells.
 


Merry Merry Jingle Jingle - Only ten days left!

d.l.stafford
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Thursday, December 15, 2016

THE ONE AND ONLY MR. BEAN WITH NO. 11 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

THIS BRIT'S SENSE OF HUMOR IS ALWAYS BETTER AT CHRISTMAS

Mr. Bean (aka Rowan Atkinson) has been listed as one of Britain's 50 funniest actors by The Observer newspaper, a UK follower of all things British. His miming character Mr. Bean brings humor in a most unusual way. He never says a word but acts out abnormal or daily activities in hilarious ways. Today's clip shows Mr. Bean directing a shopping mall brass band to beat the band celebrating Christmas.

In the insane, upside down world we currently live in you just have to stop and have a laugh, especially at Christmas. Because laughter may not cure all ills but it can get you on the way to a healthy outlook. I hope you enjoy this master comedy craftsman with nary a word spoken.

No. 19 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown - Mr. Bean Conducts Christmas Orchestra.

 


Merry Christmas Indeed!!

d.l.stafford
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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

THE BOSS & THE E STREET BAND LAY IT OUT THERE 2001 - NO. 12 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

SPRINGSTEEN WAS A TRUE BLUE ROCKER EVEN FOR CHRISTMAS
 
After Mrs. Nomad and I happened on some close to the stage tickets in my home town during one of Bruce Springsteen's tours, I became more acutely aware of what great artists do in live shows. The show was right before Christmas with three hours of pure, solid rock and roll, including today's tune and the more famous "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town". For a Christmas  countdown, it is very hard to find really good Christmas music that is different and it's even more difficult to find quality live performances. Well - Today's tune is live, different and of high quality for sure. Even Conan O'Brien is lending a hand on acoustic guitar with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted E-Street Band, Springsteen's primary band since 1979.
 
So, have a good time enjoying this great rock Christmas tune by a bona fide legend - No. 12 on the 2016 Christmas Countdown by Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band.
.

Say Merry Christmas Baby To Your Favorite Baby!!

d.l.stafford
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

A VERY FUNNY TAKE ON CHRISTMAS - NO. 13 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

FOR ALL CAT OWNERS - THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!

Simon's Cat is always screwing up, much to the chagrin of its owner. The cat is always using tricks and generally annoying behavior to get more food. And it always goes the wrong way. Today's Countdown shows just how devastating and devastated one cat can be when it involves an unexpected gift of catnip.

If you have a cat, you will recognize everything Simon's Cat does in this cartoon and if you don't have a cat, maybe you will run out and get one after seeing today's video. We have had several cats over the years and they never fail to entertain.
 
Enjoy No. 13 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown: Catnip - Simon's Cat (Christmas Special).
 



And to ensure that today's presentation is complete, here is another Bonus Track - Simon's Cat - Santa Claws:
 


Cat or No Cat - Have a Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 12, 2016

NEW OLD SCHOOL MEETS REAL OLD SCHOOL - NO. 14 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

CHRIS ISAAK & STEVIE NICKS - WHAT A COMBO!

Since I saw him live, I have been a Chris Isaak fan. He combines old school rock with a great voice, pretty good guitar playing and very cool stage delivery second to none. If you want one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded, I highly recommend his "CHRIS ISAAK CHRISTMAS". And - When he brings in the current "Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll" Stevie Nicks for  a cool version of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, it goes to another level.

Please enjoy No. 14 on the 2016 Christmas Countdown by a great old school rocker & a real old school master singer - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town:
 


And - Another Bonus Track - just to prove he IS old school singing today, enjoy a live version of BLUE CHRISTMAS:
 


Santa's Packing Up - Get Ready!!

d.l.stafford
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Sunday, December 11, 2016

THIS ONE NEVER GETS OLD + A BONUS - NO. 15 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Mariah Carey  recorded one of the greatest Christmas albums of all time simply entitled Merry Christmas. Today's Countdown song is from that instant classic recording. Recorded with a great rhythm section, Hammond B-3 and a killer gospel choir, this cover of a long established traditional hymn brings new meaning to a song with a simple message for believers of all stripes.


No. 15 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown - Mariah Carey and Jesus, Oh What A wonderful Child



And in honor of this Second Sunday of December - a bonus track - Harry Connick Jr. and Kim Burrell sing a very funky version of I PRAY ON CHRISTMAS.




Somebody Say It Again - Hallelujah and Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
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Saturday, December 10, 2016

IT'S THE WEEKEND - BETTER BE CAREFUL OUT THERE - NO. 16 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

ONLY STRAIGHT NO CHASER CAN DELIVER A TUNE LIKE THIS

Straight No Chaser, started at Indiana University in 1996, continues to deliver some of the most unique and tight acappella singing ever recorded. They "arrived" on the scene when their 12 Days of Christmas recording/video went viral on YOUTUBE and they ended up with a five record deal with Atlantic Records in 2008. They give us an unbridled take on Christmas partying in today's Countdown Tune. And remember, use UBER when the partaking gets the best of you.
 
No. 16 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown - Straight No Chaser gives us their version of WHO SPIKED THE EGGNOG?
 


Remember - Keep It Under Control for the Kids - Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
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Friday, December 9, 2016

THE HOT SARDINES - REAL JAZZ BABY!! NO. 17 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I HEARD THIS AMAZING GROUP LAST NIGHT & JUST HAD TO SHARE IT

Take one piano player, a drummer, a guitarist, three horns, a standup base  and one amazing singer, from France no less, performing tunes from the 20's, 30's and 40's in new and exciting ways and you  get THE HOT SARDINES. Oh and the last guy to round out this nine member group - one helluva tap dancer. If you like jazz, as I do, then The Hot Sardines will make you smile effortlessly. I could not find a live performance of a Christmas tune, so their studio version of White Christmas will get you jumpin' for this greatest time of year.



No. 17 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown - The Hot Sardines' jazz take on White Christmas.
 


It Will Be White Somewhere This Christmas!!

d.l.stafford
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Thursday, December 8, 2016

NO. 18 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - FROM ONE OF THE GREATEST CROONERS IN HISTORY

THE LAST ICON THAT TAKES YOU BACK TO AMERICA'S MAGIC TIME IN MUSIC

I only saw the master songster and crooner Tony Bennett once. And it was indeed memorable. When he had everything turned off, except his mike, and gave an acappella version of Fly Me To The Moon - Well, let's just say - I understood why he has been pulling in audiences of all ages for 70 plus years. Whether he sings with a small group or a big band, he is an icon and modern performer all at once. He had his first hit, Because of You, in 1951. And he continues to tour and delight audiences the world over with an amazing clear voice today at 90 years of age. Truly amazing, don't you think?


And who better for a jazz interpretation of a Christmas standard? Please enjoy No. 18 on the 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - Tony Bennett performing Jingle Bells.
 


 
Here's Hoping Your Christmas is All Jazzed Up - Only 17 Days Until !!!!

d.l.stafford
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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

TODAY - WE ARE STILL STANDING AND CELEBRATING THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

DECEMBER 7, 1941 - THE MOST FAMOUS DAY OF INFAMY!

I had another song to post today, but, as always, I found something else to share. Seventy five years ago today Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. Our entry into the greatest war started on that day with the deaths of 2,403 Americans and 1,178 wounded. If you have studied history, you understand Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's quote - "I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant". We are still here and freedom still reigns and we can still celebrate the birth of Our Lord.

So, in honor of this famous battle and all of the battles that the men and women of the greatest country in history have sacrificed for is No. 19 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown, a simple song - I WON'T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. VERY PROFOUND!
 


Merry Christmas to all those who won't be home for Christmas and Thank You!

d.l.stafford
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016

GIMME THAT SOUND FOR THE SEASON - NO. 20 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

PENTATONIX DELIVERS THAT ACAPELLA SOUND WITH CLARITY & GRACE

The sound of great acapella singing is, in two words - the best. As a singer since the first grade, I know good singing when I hear it and this group of five young people are amazing. Pentatonix combines blend, nuance and amazing vocal arrangements  to make every tune they sing memorable.

And who better to sing Christmas music? And trust me when I tell you - it's hard. Acapella singing is the most difficult genre of music to sing and these guys carry on the tradition of the great groups famous and not so famous that bring the sound of voice only to music you just need to hear.

So enjoy No. 20 on the 2016 Christmas Countdown from today's hottest acapella group performing That's Christmas To Me.




This beats singing in the shower right? Merry Christmas!!

d.l.stafford
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Monday, December 5, 2016

AND SINCE FOREVER - THIS TUNE MAKES YOU LAUGH - ROBERT EARL WITH NO. 21 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

IT'S MONDAY, IT'S CLOUDY - TAKE A LISTEN AND IMPROVE YOUR MOOD

Robert Earl Keen is a classic Texas Troubador. It's a pretty select group of great writers, singers and pickers from The Lone Star State, including luminaries Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Kinky Friedman, Delbert McClinton and Don Henley. My son gave me a Christmas present to see Robert Earl live in Atlanta a few years back, and, he did not disappoint. He performed today's Countdown tune along with about 3,500 rowdy fans who knew every single word, including me and mine.

Robert Earl proves that irony, sarcasm and humor are alive and well in his musical world. And we are all the better for it. Maybe you see someone you know in the video or, heavens to Betsy, yourself. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

No. 21 on The 2015 Christmas Countdown - An ode to celebratory familial excess - Robert Earl Keen's Merry Christmas  From The Family.



Party On Vagabonds and Elves Everywhere!
Merry Ho Ho!!

d.l.stafford
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Sunday, December 4, 2016

NO. 22 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THERE IS GOSPEL AND THEN THERE IS THIS !

AND FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN DECEMBER - LET 'EM SING IT BABY!


I found this great tune last year with Tom Waits, the voice of a thousand roads, in the lead and  backing by the soulful gospel sound of The Blind Boys of Alabama, you are going to get singing that is on the edge. This pairing of artists delivers more soul in this classic Christmas tune than anyone I have ever heard.

This arrangement captures the pure essence of this great Christmas standard. And with the unmistakable sound of The Blind Boys of Alabama and the lead of Tom Waits, well, it may be an acquired taste, but, take a listen and you will hear the soulful, moaning joy in every note.
 
NO. 22 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN BY TOM WAITS & THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

 


Somebody Stand Up and Tell The Good News Again!

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Saturday, December 3, 2016

ONCE AGAIN WITH FEELING - GRACE POTTER AT NO. 23 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS - something very rare these days - a real rock band with a point. Formed in 2002, this band, with a lead singer that channels many of the greats - Rait, Benatar, Tina - even Joplin,  has become a popular fixture on the American rock scene.

I stumbled on this killer tune last year and it still brings an edge to the Christmas Spirit. The kiddies better get their act together or things will not go so well for them when the Big Man shows up.


 
BTW - Just in case you were wondering, the Hammond B3 riffs are by the bona fide rocker chick from Vermont - Go Girl!! Grace Potter and the Nocturnals deliver a little rock ditty that will wake up the kids.

 No. 23 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown Naughty Naughty Children (Better Start Actin' Nice).

 


Keep Those little Ones Happy and Good This Season - Merry Christmas!!

D.L.Stafford
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Friday, December 2, 2016

NO. 24 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MICHAEL FRANKS DOES HIS THING - A PLASTIC STAR

 A PLASTIC STAR FOR AN ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS  TREE- OH THE JOY!!
 

Very old school. Aluminum Christmas trees were first available in 1958. I was nine. I think we had one once, but, I cannot swear to it. They appeared and disappeared quickly. However, they are making a return in today's markets for vagabond souls searching for innovation from the mid century. That era of product design brought us all the great things that we look back on and wish we still had - big fin cars, funky, yet sleek Jetson furniture and great, great music.
 
I have been a die hard fan of Michael Franks since I heard his classic Popsicle Toes. His combination of great jazz arranging and his unique voice make him a perfect artist for Christmas tunes. Today, I hope you like this very unique Christmas tune about a plastic star for an aluminum Christmas tree.

No. 24 on the 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - Michael Franks performing "I Bought You A Plastic Star".
 


Christmas is the best time of year - Enjoy It!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 1, 2016

THE NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - 2016 EDITION

It's Official - Five Years Now - Very, Very, Very, Very, Very Merry Christmas!!!

This crazy, eclectic look at the music of the biggest holiday and celebration of the birth of Christ is in year number five. And, because I have gotten numerous requests from friends and others, I have perused, reviewed, reviewed again, viewed again and listened to countless tunes from every genre of Christmas Music from Stravinksy to Satchmo to continue this holiday tradition. Hopefully, you will like some of the new things out as well as many  favorites from years past. SO HERE WE GO!!




No. 25 on the 2016 Christmas Countdown

OK. I'm not bragging when I tell you that we had the distinct pleasure of hearing one of the truly great jazz orchestras and singers in our very own home town last year perform this incredibly arranged Christmas Classic that was written at least sixty years ago by a writer named Jack Fox.

René Marie joins the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in concert for "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" off their live album, BIG BAND HOLIDAYS.
 



MERRY CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 1, 2016

D.L.STAFFORD
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