Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 12

The daughter of Nat King Cole brings us today's song. Natalie's organ/keyboard heavy B-Side opener to her 1977 album Thankful is a lovely reminder to be Thankful. Now enjoy your Thursday!

Today's Song:
"Be Thankful"
Natalie Cole

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 11

Thanksgiving is a time for visitors! Friends, families, neighbors--whoever! This old tune is an open invitation for all those holiday guests. It has been done by about a bazillion people, but I like this version performed by super tenor, Arlie Duff. Y'all Come!

Today's Song:
"Y'all Come"
Arlie Duff


 

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 10

Another tune that just nails that Thanksgiving vibe—both in title and in sound.

Today's Song:
"Stuffy Turkey"
Thelonious Monk

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 9

Today's song is an old Fats Waller tune, done by the incomparable duo, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. It's message is most likely a thinly veiled comment about a physically attractive women. However, in the context of Thanksgiving, it is obviously about a troubled couple who prepared only meat for Thanksgiving. Those poor people. Oh, beware, lest you do the same. Make sure someone is assigned those mashed potatoes! For me, I'm assigning my buddy Dallin. He knows his taters.

Today's Song:
"All That Meat and No Potatoes"
Louis Armstrong

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 8

Recently, this hymn has really resonated with me. As I was driving to work, the sun just peaked perfectly over the mountain, throwing long shadows across the mountains and into the city. The "painted desert" really came alive. This hymn came to mind. This arrangement by John Rutter is one I've known a long time, but recently it's come back to me with fresh gratitude.

Today's Song:
"For the Beauty of the Earth"
Arranged by John Rutter

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 7

Like I said, a lot of Thanksgiving music is about food. Well, here another perfect food song. James Brown gets it.

Today's Song:
"(Do the) Mashed Potatoes"
James Brown

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 6

Most Thanksgiving music is about food, obviously. However, not every song NAILS the feeling of digging into that feast with your your loved ones around. This song really gets it.

Today's Song:
"Groovy Gravy"
Quincy Jones

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 5

This song isn't exactly a Thanksgiving song, but then again "My Favorite Things" isn't exactly a Christmas song. I mean, it's a welcome addition to the Christmas Music Canon, but it's origins aren't really "Christmas."

Whatever. Anyway, this is a Tom Waits song, performed by one of my favorite artists, Norah Jones. It's just got this lovely feel to it. It's feels like the season, you know? Check it out.

Today's Song:
"Long Way Home"
Covered by Norah Jones

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 4

A classic, on all counts. Vince Gauraldi Trio did some amazing things for our favorite holidays. If you have some time this Thanksgiving, be sure to snuggle up with the family and watch "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving."

Today's Song:
"Thanksgiving Theme"
Vince Gauraldi Trio

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 3

I'm tired of people skipping over Thanksgiving because it has no good music. Take a listen to this gem, then tell me again how Thanksgiving has no good music.

Today's song:
"Thanksgiving Prayer"
Johnny Cash

*this recording is from and episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 2

Today's song is a soulful, funk-fest. Just makes me want to boogie as I baste that turkey and bake that pie. Mmmmm...

Today's song:

"Pass the Peas"
The JB's


 

Thanksgiving Spirit, Day 1

Hey all you cool cats and dogs and turkeys out there. Halloween is now over, which is totally wild. It's NOVEMBER ALREADY! I know there are many in this world, many of my closest friends, who see November 1st as the first day of the Christmas Season. And to them, I say "more power to ya!" Enjoy that special season.

Personally, I hold off. I feel like November is home for a unique and special season called the Thanksgiving Season. It's so closely related to the Christmas Season that it is often times overlooked. People often forget that Thanksgiving has so much to offer us, even it's own music!

That is why, this year, I've decided to help Thanksgiving out a little. I'm going to be posting a Thanksgiving song, once a day, until Thanksgiving. I hope that these songs bring a little Thanksgiving Spirit into your life.

Today's song is a classic:

"I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For"
Bing Crosby