Category: Sounds Of The Season

Name That Tune, Sounds Of The Season

NAME THAT TUNE: NEW YEAR’S EVE (December 31, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone! It’s time to ring out the old and ring in the new. 🎊

Welcome to Name That Tune: The New Year’s Eve Edition!  🎉 🥳

I hope you’re ready for one final spin of the disc for 2023.

So, without further ado, let’s get the show on the road; I’ve already given you a HUGE clue. Did you see it?

And we’re off! Here are your five clues:

  1. Today’s 1974 video opens with our singer/songwriter/guitarist walking through the gardens of his estate. Our performer once claimed he was never in the music business to become rich or famous; he would have been just as happy being a gardener.
  2. Today’s artist discovered two short verses carved into wood and stone in the “gardening building” on his property. The carvings were made by Sir Frank Crisp, the original owner of our singer’s estate in England, and the verses are said to have been written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
  3. The only lyrics in today’s song are the song’s title (repeated four times to serve as the chorus) and the verses mentioned in clue #2.
  4. Our very famous singer was once the lead guitarist for a quartet from the UK. After the group split, he had great success as a solo performer/composer/songwriter/recording executive/music and movie producer and author until his death in 2001.
  5.  Upon release, today’s song met with an unfavorable response from music critics while others considered its musical and lyrical simplicity to be a positive factor for a contemporary pop hit. Throughout the video our singer is seen wearing a variety of costumes made famous by his former group and is joined by a number of friends you may recognize. There’s also a scene with him wearing nothing but fur boots and his guitar!

Now that you have the clues (including the HUGE hint in my first line), do you think you know the name of our New Year’s Eve song and the person who wrote and sang it? Well, let’s see if you’re right. You know what to do.

Aha! If you said “Ding Dong, Ding Dong” by George Harrison, you are not only correct …. you are brilliant! Let’s hear that happy holiday song right now.

Well, that certainly was fun and a great way to ring out the old, ring in the new. 🥳 🎊

And now for a bit of personal news: this is my final post for The Rhythm Section; we’re closing up shop. It’s time for a break, a change of pace and a chance to do some much-needed reorganization. I’ll be back with some great new music ideas so stick around!

In the meantime, I’ll still be writing stories and doing prompts on my site The Elephant’s Trunk @ https://theelephantstrunk.org where you can read about all new music developments.

Thanks to all of you for being a terrific audience these past nine months and for making all my posts, whether “At The Movies”, “In The Groove”, Birthday Thursdays” or “Name That Tune”, here in The Rhythm Section so much fun. You are what it’s all about and you inspired me to bring you only the best with each and every post. I hope I was successful. This was a labor of love (with a little blood, sweat and tears mixed in) and I’m looking forward to the chance to do it all again!

Thanks to my fellow contributors Pete and Deb and, of course, Nick.

See you at The Elephant’s Trunk, my friends; take good care of yourselves!

Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year! 🥳 🎊

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

This is The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and “Auld Lang Syne”.

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission.
NAR © 2017-present.

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 26, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

And just like that, it’s almost over! All that remains are the crumbs of Christmas cookies, discarded wrapping paper and the sighs of 2023 as it creeps closer to the back door. Some of us may still have family to visit or get-togethers with friends …. and let’s not forget New Year’s Eve. If you’re like me and my mister, you’ve opted to eschew the party hats and noisemakers in favor of a more relaxed and intimate setting.

But that doesn’t mean we’re going to roll over and play dead this week …. not by a long shot! Have you forgotten the Sicilian Curveball? Well then, I think it may be time to serve up one final pitch right about now.

Gather ’round the fire pit and turn up the volume; welcome to the Rocking Sounds Of The Season! We will not go out with a whimper here In The Groove!

Now remember …. as is my style I have prepared a holiday banquet of treats for you – one might say “The 12 Rocking Days of Christmas”. This is an audio/visual feast, my friends! The videos are intended to be viewed throughout the week, not ingested whole unless that’s the way you roll. If that is your preference, then by all means ….. belly up to the bar. ‘Tis the Season, after all!

I’m opening today with an American group based in Omaha, Nebraska. This is a neoclassical new-age music ensemble founded in 1974 known primarily for its Fresh Aire series of albums which blend classical music with elements of new age and rock, and for its modern recordings of holiday music. They are wildly popular, having sold over 28 million albums in the US alone.

Strap yourselves in, kids; it’s’ gonna be one hell of a sleigh ride!

This is Mannheim Steamroller!

“Deck the Halls“

“Faeries from Nutcracker Suite”

“Hallelujah“

“Sleigh Ride“

And now, from the world of Heavy Metal ….. oh, did you think I wouldn’t go there? Ho! Ho! Ho! Think again! Here are four of the greats!

We’re going to church, boys and girls, so show some respect. This is Dio (with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame) and a few other guys) with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.

Here we have an old Chuck Berry number …. “Run, Rudolph Run” …. hopped up a bit featuring Lemmy (Motörhead), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) & Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

A little something called “Very Merry Led Zeppelin” …. a Led Zepp Medley, if you will.

Nobody even think of leaving just yet. This is “Carol of the Bells” by Metallica.

My final featured group today is another US-based band founded in 1996 and based in Tampa, Florida. This rock band gained popularity when they began touring in 1999 after completing their second album, “The Christmas Attic”. In 2007 the Washington Post referred to them as “an arena-rock juggernaut whose music is like a meeting of Pink Floyd, Yes and the Who at Radio City Music Hall”. They have sold more than 10 million concert tickets and over 10 million albums and are known for their elaborate concerts and light shows.

I bring you TSO – Trans-Siberian Orchestra!

“A Mad Russian“

“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo“

“Siberian Sleighride“

“Wizards in Winter“

This is it, kids …. the final In The Groove 2023 for The Rhythm Section. I think you’ll agree it is a true Sicilian Storyteller smorgasbord that will take you right into the New Year!

Enjoy your holiday week, my friends! Stay safe, happy and healthy always.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission.
NAR © 2017-present.

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 19, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Christmas Eve is five days away and I have no idea where the year went! I love the holidays, especially this week leading up to Christmas …. the baking, wrapping, watching old holiday movies on TV, visiting with friends, attending church services, taking the little ones to see Santa. It is a truly magical time of year.

Welcome back to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! To help make your Christmas week even more meaningful and festive, I thought it would be nice to feature some of our most popular and well-loved holiday songs and Christmas Carols. I hope you enjoy my selections and come back to this page whenever you’re in the mood for some wonderful holiday music. 

For me Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without my favorite cookies – Viennese walnut crescents, so buttery they just melt in your mouth. That’s the way I feel about certain performers and the Christmas songs we all love. There was a big problem, though: I couldn’t choose just one single song from each artist – they’re all too good – so I’m breaking with tradition and posting a few complete albums. I think there’s a nice selection of music for you to listen to and, just like delicious cookies, there’s more than enough to sample and satisfy your musical cravings anytime during these last weeks of 2023. Let’s begin with a real beauty:

Here is Nat ‘King’ Cole and this is “King Of Christmas”

From December 9, this is “Christmas With André Rieu 2023″ a compilation of the full concert.

This is Frank Sinatra with “O Jolly Christmas”

Here is “The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Sings Christmas Carols”

From 1968, this is “Snowfall – The Tony Bennett Christmas Album”

Under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, here is The Boston Pops and “Christmas Album”

The beautiful voice of Connie Francis from her album “Merry Christmas [Fantastic Christmas Carols]

The soothing sounds of “Classical Winter” – Classical Music Selections

Enjoy the week doing all the things that bring you peace and happiness …. including listening to great music. I’ll be back In The Groove on December 26th with something completely different; I predict you’re going to be sufficiently blown away! It’s just what we need for The Rhythm Section’s final week of 2023.

See you on the flip side.

Wishing you all a very joyful Christmas week,

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 12, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Welcome back to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! This week we are celebrating along with our Jewish friends the holiday of Hanukkah. Settle in now with your favorite beverage and a comfy blanket; we are about to begin.

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, delicious fried foods, dreidels and chocolate coins; the Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.”

In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah (commandment) observance and belief in God. Against all odds, a small band of faithful (but poorly armed) Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, rededicating it to the service of God.

When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. To commemorate these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah.

At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (“attendant”), which is used to kindle the other eight lights. On the first night, just one flame is lit. On the second night, an additional flame is lit. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight lights are kindled.

Very special thanks to my friend David ben Alexander (The Skeptic’s Kaddish) for lending a helping hand in selecting today’s videos. David, you made my “job” immeasurably easier!
חנוכה שמח! תודה לך חברי היקר

The stage has now been set; let the music begin!

“I Have a Little Dreidel” (“The Dreidel Song”) is a playful song that is often sung during Hanukkah. It celebrates the spinning of the dreidel, a traditional Hanukkah game, and is a catchy tune that children and adults enjoy.

“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah”: This song is a cheerful and lively song that celebrates the holiday and its traditions. It is often sung as a part of Hanukkah celebrations and is known for its festive spirit.

“Ma’oz Tzur” (מָעוֹז צוּר): Also known as “Rock of Ages,” this traditional Hebrew song is typically sung during Hanukkah to praise and thank God for delivering the Jewish people from their enemies. The song has several verses and is often sung with great emotion and devotion.

“Haneirot Halalu” (הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ) is a Hebrew song recited or sung after the Hanukkah candles are lit. It expresses gratitude and joy for the miracle of Hanukkah and the opportunity to kindle the lights. It is a short, simple, and beautiful melody that is often part of the Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony.

Thank you, David! Now for two videos of my own because you can never have enough holiday music!

This is “Happy Hanukkah” by Matisyahu

Live from the Levon Helm Studios, this is Woodie Guthrie with “Happy Joyous Hanukkah”.

Wishing all my friends who observe Hanukkah a most blessed, peaceful and happy celebration!

I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Sounds Of The Season. Please join me again next week as we continue this holiday edition of In The Groove.

Happy Hanukkah! 🕎

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 5, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Can you believe we are in December already? Chanukah begins in just three days, Christmas is less than three weeks away and a new year is knocking on the door! I love the holidays …. the smell of pine trees, the sight of twinkling lights, the taste of peppermint, the warm feeling of a fireplace, the sound of seasonal songs and the love of family and dear friends. What a joyful time it is.

Welcome to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! To help get us in the holiday mood, I thought it would be nice to start our new category with some lovely traditional holiday instrumentals. Light the candles, pour yourself a brandy, a cup of cocoa or a glass of eggnog and snuggle up with your favorite blanket. The music is about to begin.

Now bear in mind …. as is my style, I have prepared a number of videos for you; think of them as the hors d’oeuvres at a holiday party. Sample a video today, perhaps another one tomorrow; they are meant to be viewed and enjoyed throughout the week. However, if you cannot wait and simply must gobble them all up at one sitting, then go right ahead. The choice is yours!

For your relaxing listening pleasure today I have chosen the beautiful sounds of Mantovani.

Annunzio Paolo Mantovani was an Anglo-Italian composer and conductor known for his signature cascading musical string sound. He was born in Venice, Italy in 1905 into a music-oriented family. His father, Benedetto Paolo Mantovani, was a violinist and served as the orchestra concertmaster of La Scala opera house in Milan, under the baton of Arturo Toscanini. The family moved to England in 1912, where young Annunzio studied at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular British dance bands, both on BBC radio broadcasts and in live performances.

Sit back now and enjoy the soothing sound of Mantovani & His Orchestra.

This is “O Tannenbaum” (O Christmas Tree)

“The Christmas Song”

“Christmas Bells”

“O Come All Ye Faithful”

“Sleigh Ride”

https://youtu.be/SuPSmeeCAO0?si=U4t0SXBzUFx0Xe0P

“O Holy Night”

What beautiful music to put us in the holiday mood; let’s spread the joy of the season everywhere we go!

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet up with me today. I hope you’ll join me again next Tuesday for more delightful Sounds Of The Seasons here In The Groove.

Stay well and be kind to yourselves and one another.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023