William's Song a Day Blog - est. September 2007

I have been thinking about choosing a Billy Joel song for some time; this one fit for today because of the usual watching of festivities going on in Times Square in New York this evening. I know it does not even compare to what Billy Joel is singing about, but for some of us it is as close to " A New York State of Mind " as we will ever get; I might have to visit there one of these days.... Anyway, I can say with certainty that I will not miss this year's passing, it has absolutely sucked! I am hoping that this new year will be better than the last one, it will be interesting to see where I am in a year from now. Here is a fan video with the studio version on YouTube. Here is a live performance of the song on YouTube , there are quite a few more available as well. +

I decided that I needed some Miles Davis on my list; this is one of my favourite songs that I have heard from his band. This is a Hard Bop Jazz song, which is a genre of Jazz that is as much fun for me to listen to as classical; there is a lot of musical virtuosity to be had in this amazing sub-genre. Here is part one of the studio version on YouTube. Here is part two on YouTube. Here is a live performance on YouTube. +

This album was the last project that Charles Mingus was part of before succumbing to Lou Gehrig's Disease; the album was titled Mingus as a tribute to him. The song is actually a cover/re-recording of the song from his album Mingus Ah Um except with lyrics written by Joni Mitchell. On this album Joni Mitchell borrowed members from Weather Report to be her backing band. Jaco Pastorius actually played the bass parts on this album; one legendary bassist playing the parts of another legendary bassist. Hear a live recording of the song on YouTube. Watch the Shadows and Light live performance on YouTube. Hear Charlie Mingus' original on YouTube. +

I have been in a Jazz mood the last little bit and finally decided to add some Mingus to my list today. This song probably would not be for the casual listener and/or someone who is not acquainted with various forms of Jazz; it is quite eclectic in the way it was arranged. I get the feel from this song of what a three ring circus might be if it was sound instead of visual. Whatever the case, the song is incredible all across the board. Here is a fan video with the song on YouTube. +

This incredible Be-Bop standard from the musical genius and legend was in need of being added to my list today. The composition is quite fast and technical, (as with most Bop), and really shows off his incredible trumpet playing. The song is from earlier on in the Be-Bop movement and is a fine example of the genre among others. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Here is a classic live performance on YouTube. Here is another great live performance on YouTube. +

This song has been running through my mind all morning, so I will take it as a sign that I should add it to my list. It was recorded for the soundtrack of film Back to the Future ; it was played when Marty woke up back in 1985 and was also played during the closing credits. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Here is a live performance on YouTube. +

Merry Christmas! Since I chose their A Christmas Song yesterday, I could not go without picking the continuation today. This song is quite a bit less cynical of the season and more in "The Christmas Spirit" that most are accustomed to. It is about the togetherness that the Holiday is supposed to foster. This track was originally released in 1989 on the Rock Island album, but was also later re-recorded and released on the Jethro Tull Christmas Album. Quite a nice fitting song for today. Hear the original studio version from Rock Island on YouTube. Hear the 2003 version on YouTube. +