I actually started this little ditty before the holidays. Then, a virus got me. But, today my head cleared a bit and I could hear (thank God). So, I finished what I started. This is a “sketch,” or musical profile that looks to capture the joy and trepidation of Christmas Eve. It’s called “Visions of Sugarplums.”

It was probably the late 70’s when Ron Spann penned this song. Ron and I met in Los Angeles around 1984 and played music together for a while. We are friends to this day and have recorded each other’s songs, together and separately. I’ve always enjoyed his tune “You Gotta’ Have Faith.” His original arrangement was a 12/8 shuffle, light and bouncy. I decided to make it a bit more “groove oriented” but keep the 80’s feel. So here, for your dining and dancing pleasure, is my version of my friend’s song.

I have always liked this song, especially the lyrics. It was written by Robert Lowry and first published in 1876. The original music is very upbeat, singable, and written in a major key. So, I decided to take it in a different direction. The verse lyrics are very poignant, so I decided they needed to be in a minor key, switching to major for the choruses. I recently obtained (for free, no less!) a really nice sample of a mountain dulcimer. That seemed like the perfect place to begin. And things grew from there.

Once again, this song was recorded using Studio One 5, of which I never tire. Enjoy this new approach to an old song.

I am trying to make the most of these shutdown days. One of my favorite hobbies is making music (which I suppose I’ve done all my life). Lately, I’ve finished two songs. The first is just me, playing with my samples, and trying to create an “organic” sound (despite the digital trickery). I chose one of my favorite songs, “This Is My Father’s World.”