Happy Holidays

And spread more love...

Do you know how Christmas cards are made? They need pictures.
Pictures can't complete them I'm afraid; They need greetings.
Greetings say what's in your heart, that's what they are for,
But when loved ones are apart Christmas cards need more.

Do you know how Christmas cards are made? They need pictures and greetings,
Sunshine and raindrops, Snowflakes and reindeer,
Friendship and kindness, And most of all, they need love...

- Written by Hal David

My favorite Bond movie and certainly my favorite Bond soundtrack is On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is unique among Bond movies for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the absence of Sean Connery. His place was taken by newcomer George Lazenby, who had no previous acting experience. The stranger-than-fiction true story of Lazenby landing the Bond role is brilliantly covered in Josh Greenbaum’s film Becoming Bond:

Interestingly, this would be Lazenby’s only Bond film. After being offered the next seven Bond films and a $1 million signing bonus, he turned it all down.

Another unique aspect of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is that James Bond got married.

I remember watching the movie around Christmastime when I was a kid. It has a winter and Christmas theme, so it played on the local TV station during the holiday season. Interestingly, Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown?, one of my favorite Christmas songs, comes from the movie.

I like how the song plays in the background at a Swiss Christkindlmarket, as Blofeld’s henchmen, led by the wicked Frau Bunt, chase after Bond, who is finally saved by his recent lover Tracy (Diana Riggs). They are married at the end of the film. Here is Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown? sung by Danish singer-actress Nina van Pallandt:

The simple beauty of the song juxtaposed with the drama of the chase works for me. It speaks to how our feelings of joy that come with the holiday season can be mixed with feelings of tension and sadness.

---

As we celebrate the holidays, it’s difficult not to acknowledge the challenges people face throughout the world. This makes me feel blue and reminds me of Tryin’ Times, a song written by Donny Hathaway and sung by Roberta Flack backed by Ron Carter’s wonderful bass:

Although this is the blues, I think this is a song of love:

I can't understand it from my point of view
'Cause I think you should do unto others
As you'd have them do unto you

Then maybe folks wouldn't have to suffer
If there was more love for your brother

So during this holiday season, I send out a whole lot of love to all my brothers and sisters who have been walking with me on my journey. After all, the whole purpose of this weekly jazz post is to share my journey so you can find your own.

The Mendocino folk singer Antonia Lamb wrote:

Yes, death is king

But life is queen

& when they make love

They make spirals of creation

Let death be king / of that which

is not

While life, our queen, gets on with

the business of being

So although these are tryin’ times, we have much to celebrate. In the end, we must get on with the business of living.

This year is the second Christmas since my mom’s passing. She loved to celebrate Christmas in grand fashion - so I’m reminded of her. On occasions when my mom and I were at a bar or restaurant that offered Guinness she’d say, “Oh, I’ll have one of them.” In particular English fashion, she always ordered a half-pint. So with that in mind, I’d like to propose a toast:

Here’s to my mom, to you, and to your loved ones in the spirit of whatever holiday you celebrate:

Next week, it’s the New Year and the start of another year on that Big River called Jazz. I’m really excited about the journey ahead. In the first few weeks we’ll explore the worlds of Muhal Richard Abrams, George Russell, the Pyramids, and a special side-journey into birdsong (what would the new year be without a strange journey like that). However, we’ll start the year off and dig our paddles in and explore the world of Donald Garrett and Kali Fasteau’s The Sea Ensemble.

Please hit this link to buy me a cup of coffee, if you’d like to show your guide some appreciation for this and past journeys. Know in advance that I thank you for your kindness and support.

If you like what you’ve been reading and hearing so far on our journey and would like to share this with someone you think might be interested in learning more about our great American art form: Jazz, just hit the “Share” button.

From Astaire to Sun Ra: A Jazz Journey is a reader-supported publication. If you feel inclined, subscribe to my journey by hitting the “Subscribe now” button.

Also, find my playlist on Spotify: From Fred Astaire to Sun Ra.

Feel free to contact me at any time to talk shop. I welcome and encourage that.

Until then, keep on walking….