Juan García Esquivel (January 20, 1918 – January 3, 2002) was a Mexican band leader, pianist, and composer for television and films. He is recognized today as one of the foremost exponents of a sophisticated style of largely instrumental music that combines elements of lounge music and jazz with Latin flavors. Esquivel is sometimes called "The King of Space Age Pop" and "The Busby Berkeley of Cocktail Music." Esquivel is considered one of the foremost exponents of a style of late 1950s-early 1960s quirky instrumental pop that became known (in retrospect) as "Space Age Bachelor Pad Music".
He was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas, and his family moved to Mexico City in 1928 where he studied at the UNAM.
Esquivel is considered the king of a style of late 1950s-early 1960s quirky instrumental pop known today as lounge music. Esquivel's musical style was highly idiosyncratic, and although elements sound like his contemporaries, many stylistic traits distinguished his music and made it instantly recognizable, including exotic percussion, wordless vocals, virtuoso piano runs, and exaggerated dynamic shifts. He used many jazz-like elements; however, other than his piano solos, there is no improvisation, and the works are tightly, meticulously arranged by Esquivel himself, who considered himself a perfectionist as a composer, performer, and recording artist.
His orchestration tended toward the very lush, employing novel instrumental combinations, such as Chinese bells, mariachi bands, whistling, and numerous percussion instruments, blended with orchestra, mixed chorus, and his own heavily-ornamented piano style. The chorus was often called upon to sing only nonsense syllables, most famously "zu-zu" and "pow!" A survey of Esquivel's recordings reveals a fondness for glissandi, sometimes on a half-valved trumpet, sometimes on a kettle drum, but most frequently on pitched percussion instruments and slide guitars.
Esquivel's use of stereo recording was legendary, occasionally featuring two bands recording simultaneously in separate studios, such as on his album Latin-Esque (1962). The song "Mucha Muchacha" makes particularly mind-bending use of the separation, with the chorus and brass rapidly alternating stereo sides.
He arranged many traditional Mexican songs like "Bésame Mucho", "La Bamba", "El Manisero" (Cuban/Mexican) and "La Bikina"; covered Brazilian songs like "Aquarela do Brasil" (also known simply as "Brazil") by Ary Barroso, "Surfboard" and "Agua de Beber" by Tom Jobim, and composed spicy lounge-like novelties such as "Mini Skirt", "Yeyo", "Latin-Esque", "Mucha Muchacha" and "Whatchamacallit". He was commissioned to compose the music of a Mexican children's TV show Odisea Burbujas.
His concerts also featured elaborate light shows years before effects like that became popular in live music. He performed in Las Vegas on several occasions, often as the opening act for Frank Sinatra.
Several compilations of Esquivel's music were issued starting with Space Age Bachelor Pad Music in 1994. The apparent success of these releases led to reissues of several of Esquivel's albums. The first reissues were compiled by Irwin Chusid, who also produced the first CD reissues of Raymond Scott and The Langley Schools Music Project.
The last recording on which Esquivel worked was Merry Christmas from the Space-Age Bachelor Pad in 1996, for which he did a voiceover on a track by the band Combustible Edison. This album also included several obscure tracks from his past sessions. The last CD released during his lifetime, See It In Sound, was actually recorded in 1960, but was not released at the time because the record company believed it would not be commercially successful. When finally released in 1998, it exhibited very unusual and introspective stylings absent from his other works, including a version of "Brazil", played as a musical soundscape of a man bar-hopping where the band plays different renditions of "Brazil" at each bar.
Esquivel also worked as a composer for Revue Productions/Universal Television; where he scored the TV western series "The Tall Man," and wrote the familiar Revue/Universal TV logo fanfare.
Tribute performances (current)
Jan 14, 2011 Boston - Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica - CD Release for "The Unforgettable Sounds of Esquivel"
Mar 18, 2011 New York City - Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica - CD Release for "The Unforgettable Sounds of Esquivel" (first-ever live performance of Esquivel's big band studio orchestra music in NYC)
Influences
Kronos Quartet recorded a string quartet arrangement of Esquivel's song "Mini Skirt" for their album Nuevo.
The Christmas Song
Esquivel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The lyrics of Esquivel's song "The Christmas Song" evoke a warm and nostalgic scene of the holiday season. The opening line sets the tone with the image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere. The mention of Jack Frost nipping at your nose adds a touch of wintery chill that accompanies the festive mood.
The next line highlights the joyous sound of yuletide carols being sung by a choir, further enhancing the Christmas spirit. The image of people dressed up like Eskimos suggests a playful and whimsical element in their celebration, adding a sense of fun and diversity to the festivities.
The following verse acknowledges the familiar symbols of the season, with mention of turkeys and mistletoe. These traditional symbols help create a bright and joy-filled ambiance. The sight of tiny tots with their eyes full of excitement reflects their anticipation for Christmas, making it difficult for them to sleep.
The lyrics then shift focus to the belief in Santa Claus. The mention of Santa being on his way, loaded with gifts and goodies on his sleigh, captures the imagination and anticipation of children. The line about every mother's child spying to see if reindeer can fly speaks to the childlike wonder and curiosity that surrounds this magical time of year.
The closing lines of the song express a heartfelt message of unity and well-wishes for the holiday season. The simple phrase "Merry Christmas to you" is a universal sentiment, extending goodwill and cheer from young to old. The repetition of the phrase "although it's been said many times, many ways" reinforces the timeless nature and tradition of expressing these greetings, reminding us of the enduring spirit of Christmas.
Overall, "The Christmas Song" captures the essence of the holiday season, from the traditional symbols and joyful atmosphere to the wonder and anticipation felt by both young and old.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Delicious chestnuts are being cooked over a fire that is burning openly.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The frost that forms due to cold weather is causing a tingling sensation on your nose.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
A group of people are joyfully singing traditional songs of the Christmas season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are wearing clothing resembling that of Eskimos to celebrate the festive occasion.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is a well-known fact that having a roast turkey and some mistletoe helps create a joyous atmosphere.
Help to make the season bright
These elements contribute to making the holiday season cheerful and filled with light.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Small children, their eyes filled with excitement, are radiating a warm, vibrant light.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
They will struggle to fall asleep due to their anticipation and eagerness.
They know that Santa's on his way
The children are aware that Santa Claus is currently making his journey towards them.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has filled his sleigh with an abundance of toys and delightful treats.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Each child, not just a few, will try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus in action.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
They want to witness firsthand if the reindeer possess the magical ability to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Therefore, I am presenting this uncomplicated expression of goodwill.
To kids from one to ninety-two
It is meant for children of all ages, from the very young to the elderly.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Although this sentiment has been repeated frequently, using various methods of expression,
Merry Christmas to you!
I wish you a joyous and merry Christmas!
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mralmeister1
Wow, Mr. Maymac, its RARE to hear an Esquivel with actual words in it....Thanks for posting!
František Lampaský
Please, tell me, how do you find soo beautiful songs ?? :D really beautifuul!