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December 19, 2008 - The holiday season has always been a special time for me. I have happy childhood memories of Christmastime in England, of course. But I also have very special memories of working in jazz clubs over the holidays and taking the familiar carols, songs and hymns and making them swing.
The most special part of the holidays for me has always been the music, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Christmas tunes, as performed by some of my Piano Jazz guests. I also want to share with you a reading of one of my favorite Christmas stories, The Gift of the Magi.
The Gift Of The Magi
All too often, we get caught up in all the trappings of the Christmas season. We search out the prettiest decorations, we try to throw the perfect party and we shop endlessly for the finest presents. Sometimes, we need a reminder that Christmas is about much more than party planning and getting that perfect gift. Here is O. Henry's famous Christmas tale, The Gift of the Magi, with improvised musical accompaniment by yours truly.
Marian McPartland is the host of the Peabody Award-winning Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz.
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