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
thenomadARCHITECT

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
thenomadARCHITECT

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
thenomadARCHITECT

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!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

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
thenomadARCHITECT

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

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
thenomadARCHITECT