Born James Oscar Smith on 8th December 1925 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA. Smith was influenced by both gospel and blues. He first achieved prominence in the 1950s where his recordings became popular on jukeboxes before there were commonly used terms to describe his unique musical flavor. In the sixties and seventies he helped create the jazz style known as soul jazz.
Smith employed a unique technique to emulate a string bass player on the organ. Although he played walking bass lines on the pedals on ballads, for uptempo tunes, he would play the bass line on the lower manual and use the pedals for emphasis on the attack of certain notes. His solos were characterised by percussive chords mixed with very fast melodic improvisation with the right hand.
Smith was a prolific recording artist. He first recorded with the Blue Note label in 1956. His early albums with Blue Note sold very well, improving its financial viability and aiding the label's efforts to promote other artists. They include Home Cookin' , The Sermon!, Midnight Special, Prayer Meetin' , and Back at the Chicken Shack.
Smith signed to Verve Records label in 1963. Smith's albums with Verve include: The Cat, The Boss, Root Down, Peter & The Wolf, Any Number Can Win, The Incredible..., Bashin', Got My Mojo Workin', Christmas Cookin', and Organ Grinder Swing.
His influence has been felt across multiple generations and musical styles; nearly every subsequent jazz organist owes a large debt to Smith. The Beastie Boys (who sampled the bassline from Smith's "Root Down (and Get It)"—and saluted Smith in the lyrics—for their own hit "Root Down"), Medeski, Martin & Wood, and The Hayden-Eckert Ensemble are among the better known contemporary bands that pay tribute to Smith's sensibilities and sound. The Acid Jazz movement also reflects Smith's influences.
Smith died on 8th February 2005, in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
There are several other artists with this name: 1. an American jazz trumpeter, 2. an American jazz drummer, 3. a British guitarist for the band Foals, 4. blues guitarist Jimmy "Guitar" Smith.
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See Wikipedia for a disambiguation page for Jimmy Smith#Musicians.
The Christmas Song
Jimmy Smith Lyrics
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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 aglowWill find it hard to sleep tonight.
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 Christmas Song" by Jimmy Smith is a classic holiday tune that describes the festive atmosphere and customs of Christmas. The first verse begins by painting a warm, cozy image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. The contrast of the chilly Jack Frost nipping at the listener's nose adds to the charm of the imagery, as does the presence of carolers and people dressed as Eskimos.
The second verse shifts the focus to the traditions that make the holiday joyful, such as having a turkey dinner and decorating with mistletoe, which brighten up the season. The sense of wonder and excitement in the eyes of children, who are eagerly anticipating Santa's arrival, is palpable. The lyrics emphasize the mystical elements of Christmas, as children are hoping to catch a glimpse of the reindeer in flight.
The song's final verse is a heartfelt message of goodwill and season's greetings to children and adults alike. Although this phrase may be simple and often repeated, the genuine sentiment of a Merry Christmas to all is emphasized by the soulful vocals and the warm, jazzy notes of the piano.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine sitting by the fireplace with chestnuts roasting and their delicious smell filling the room.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Although it’s cold outside, you can still enjoy the season with the warmth of Christmas in your heart.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Hearing carolers sing brings joy and reminds us of the tradition and beauty of Christmas.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Braving the cold outside with heavy coats reminds us that we are all in this season together.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
We all know that some things just go together during this time of year, like turkey and mistletoe.
Help to make the season bright
These things remind us of the light and joy of the season, making it brighter for everyone.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children’s excitement and wonder during this time of year is contagious and brings joy to all around them.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The excitement of Christmas Eve may prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep, but the anticipation is worth it.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children’s belief in Santa Claus and his arrival on Christmas Eve is a magical part of the holiday.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa’s sleigh filled with presents and treats brings smiles to the faces of children everywhere.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children all over will try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, as the magic of Christmas is something to behold.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through the sky is an example of the wonder and magic of Christmas.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In honor of the season, there is a simple phrase we all know that we can say to show appreciation to each other.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This phrase is for everyone, young and old, as Christmas joy and kindness is for everyone.
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
This phrase is a common one, but it’s still powerful and meaningful when shared with love and sincerity.
Merry Christmas to you!
So with a warm heart and open spirit, we say to you and all around us, Merry Christmas!
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind