Days Of Auld Lang Syne

by | Jan 1, 2024 | Holiday

Again, please forgive the long absence of new posts on our website.  Other obligations have caused me to temporarily divert my time and resources to a different endeavor, but I intend to resume regular music posts in the spring, with occasional random postings before that whenever possible. Meanwhile, continuing in the spirit of the season, and with gratitude for your continuing interest in the Mark Of Jazz, I have brought Days of Auld Lang Syne  forward from our Jazz Scene Podcast page … my way of wishing you a healthy and HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May 2024 bring you all the peace, joy, and success you could wish for.

Days Of Auld Lang Syne

by Fred Masey | Jazz Scene Podcast #018

The Christmas Show

by | Dec 24, 2023 | Holiday

Apologies for a long absence of new posts on our website.  Other obligations have caused me to temporarily divert time and resources elsewhere, but I intend to resume regular music posts in the spring, if not before.  Meanwhile, in the spirit of the season, and with gratitude for your hanging in there with me at the Mark Of Jazz, I have brought The Christmas Show forward from our Jazz Scene Podcast page. I’ll try to be timely in re-posting our New Years program as well. May you enjoy every minute of this musical Christmas card and have the Merriest of all Christmases with the ones you love!

The Christmas Show

by Fred Masey | Jazz Scene Podcast 017

Another Auld Lang Syne

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Audio, Holiday, Video, Vocal

Since our first posts back in 2017, Mark Of Jazz has treated entrance into the New Year nostalgically, even reverently.   With the current state of the world so uncertain and more than a little hectic, I thought we could all use a few gentler moments to ring in 2023.

In the video, Diana Krall quietly wonders What Are You Doing New Years Eve … while you can close your eyes and see the snowy evening and crackling fire as Ray Charles tries to make the case for Betty Carter to stick around because, Baby It’s Cold Outside. 

Baby It's Cold Outside

by Ray Charles & Betty Carter | Ray Charles and Betty Carter

Finally I have brought my Days Of Auld Lang Syne podcast forward from our Jazz Scene Podcast page. Auld Lang Syne is a song we all know and nearly always sing to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new … but what do those words mean?  It’s a jazzy adventure that answers questions about the tune that has played with people’s heads for generations.  Speaking of generations, we even have a nostalgic visit with Fay Wray … the lady who monkeyed around with that big ape in the ORIGINAL 1933 classic King Kong!

Here’s wishing you a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR … and hoping that you thoroughly enjoy our little MOJ celebration!

Days Of Auld Lang Syne

by Fred Masey | Jazz Scene Podcast

Days Of Auld Lang Syne

by | Dec 31, 2021 | Holiday, Lighter Side

Since our first posts five years ago, Mark Of Jazz has treated entrance into the New Year nostalgically, even reverently.   With the current state of the world so uncertain and somewhat confusing, I thought we could all use a few lighter moments, maybe even a grin or two. Auld Lang Syne is a song we all know and nearly always sing to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new … but what do those words mean?  Where did they come from?

The Peanuts Gang is always great fun and we launch into the New Year by partying with them, even though this performance doesn’t feature jazz.  Then, an a capella rendition of the tune by the original Straight No Chaser in a live 2009 concert at the Angel Orensanz Theatre in New York.  Finally I have brought my Days Of Auld Lang Syne podcast forward from our Jazz Scene Podcast page.  Yes … it IS jazz and answers the who, what when, where and why of the song that has played with people’s heads for generations and beyond.

Here’s wishing you a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS 2022 … and hoping that you enjoy our little MOJ celebration!

Straight No Chaser was a group of college guys singing just for fun back in the 90s.  Their career skyrocked and, as often happens, personnel changed … but these are the 10 who started it all.

Days Of Auld Lang Syne

by Fred Masey | Jazz Scene Podcast

Dreams Of Christmas

by | Dec 24, 2021 | Holiday

Arguably, the greatest Christmas movie ever made is Irving Berlin’s star-studded White Christmas.  The topmost video is the grand finale from that motion picture, guaranteed to catapult you into the Christmas spirit … in case you’re not already there.  Below that are performances by young Joey Alexander and The Swingle Singers in a medley from one of their two spirit-inspiring Christmas albums.  Finally I have brought The Christmas Show forward from our Jazz Scene Podcast page.  May you enjoy every minute of this musical Christmas card and have the Merriest of all Christmases with the ones you love!

Joey Alexander was already an accomplished piano genius at the tender age of 14 in this performance of My Favorite Things.  Clearly, jazz is one of his favorite things … and his music is one of mine! 

The Incredible Swingle Singers take a step back from their usual jazz interpretations of classical music to perform a Christmas Medley in a more traditional fashion.

The Christmas Show

by Fred Masey | Jazz Scene Podcast

Steppin’ Out With My Baby – Fred Astaire

by | Apr 4, 2021 | Big Band, Holiday, Soundtrack

Here’s a scene from the 1948 movie Easter Parade that is guaranteed to please any Fred Astaire fan and make a fan out of anyone who isn’t already!  Astaire was unquestionably one of the greatest entertainers of all time, but as you watch him perform you realize that, as a dancer, he also had to be an extremely well conditioned athlete. Along with Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps … Easter Parade, Fred Astaire and Judy Garland are musts for your Easter Holiday basket.  Though loosely defined as jazz, this bit of cinema magic demands that we toss away the dictionary, at least for one day every year!

Remembering Christmas Past

by | Dec 24, 2020 | Holiday, Vocal

Bing Crosby was always a hero of Michael Bublé.  At last in 2012, during Bublé’s Home For The Holidays Christmas Special, Michael got to realize his long standing dream of singing a duet with Bing. Through the miracle of modern technology they sing White Christmas together, and even exchange a bit of banter!

In 1963, Judy Garland hosted a live Christmas special and created a rare moment with Mel Torme and his now famous composition, The Christmas Song.  Mel’s tune became an instant Christmas standard … although it was actually written in July of 1945 during a blistering hot summer in an effort to “think cool!”