‘Deck The Hall’

It's really titled 'DECK THE HALL' (singular) and dates to 16th century Wales. Behold the story behind the song and versions by NAT KING COLE, THE ROCHES, JAMES TAYLOR and MITCH MILLER
by David McGee
 

 
 

Pt. I: ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ & The Lost Punctuation Mark

What Americans hear when they listen to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' is not anything like what the English peasants meant when they first sang this song more than 500 years ago. So claims best selling author ACE COLLINS.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Très engagé E una gioia di vivere (or, You Go, Girl)

Exploring the vagaries of love in French and Italian songs, CATARINA ZAPPONI delivers a seductive gem on ROMANTICA, her first album since 2001 and well worth the wait.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Sing to Me, Sing to Me…

Having made so many memorable statements in her career, 84-year-old ANNIE ROSS delivers one of her finest on TO LADY WITH LOVE, in memory of her mentor-friend BILLIE HOLIDAY, with Pizzarellis Bucky and John on guitars.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Turning 65 with ‘Crazy’

As his 65th birthday looms, contributing editor MICHAEL SIGMAN reflects on a classic song his father, CARL SIGMAN, wrote in 1949, 'Crazy He Calls Me.' It, like Michael, has led a charmed life.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Few Answers About ‘Answer Me’

'ANSWER ME, MY LOVE' is a classic pop song with a complicated history. CARL SIGMAN wrote the lyrics, and herein his son MICHAEL SIGMAN relates the tune's fascinating backstory.
by David McGee