Rob McConnell took up the slide trombone in high school, and began his performing career in the early 1950s, performing and studying with Don Thompson, Bobby Gimby, and later, with fellow Canadian Maynard Ferguson. In 1968 he formed The Boss Brass, a big band that would become his primary performing and recording unit through the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1988, McConnell took a teaching position at the Dick Grove School of Music in California, but gave up his position and returned to Canada a year later. In 1997, McConnell was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and in 1998 was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. Since that time he has remained active, touring internationally both as a performer and educator, running clinics around the world and performing as both a leader and a guest artist. The newly formed Rob McConnell tentet has been quite successful, producing three major records, The Rob McConnell Tentet (2000), Thank You, Ted (2002), and Music of the Twenties (2003).
(2) Although it was usually a part-time venture (working maybe 30 days a year, counting an annual recording), Rob McConnell's Boss Brass was one of the finest big bands of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. An excellent soloist, McConnell played valve trombone in Toronto (both in the studios and in jazz settings) for a long time. During 1965-1969, he was in Nimmons 'n' Nine Plus Six (led by Phil Nimmons) and in 1968 formed Boss Brass. Originally, the group was comprised entirely of brass instruments, plus a rhythm section, and emphasized pop music. Although it added a saxophone section in 1971, Boss Brass did not record much jazz until 1976. Comprised of many of Toronto's top musicians (including Sam Noto, Guido Basso, Ian McDougall, Moe Koffman, Eugene Amaro, Rick Wilkins, Ed Bickert, Don Thompson, and Terry Clarke, among others), the orchestra mostly plays McConnell's swinging but surprising charts. For a period in the late '80s, McConnell moved to Los Angeles and the group broke up, but by 1991, it was back together again. Rob McConnell, who also cut a few small-group dates for Concord, recorded with his Boss Brass for Pausa, MPS, Dark Orchid, Innovation, and Concord. He died of cancer in Toronto on May 1, 2010. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
Away in a Manger
Rob Mcconnell Lyrics
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Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh
With things, things for you and for me
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true
Wishes you and yours the same thing too
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine in three quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing too
The lyrics to the Rob McConnell Trio's song The Christmas Waltz are a nostalgic ode to the holiday season that evokes a sense of warmth and togetherness. As the first verse opens with the image of frosted window panes and candles flickering inside, it sets the scene for a cozy Christmas tableau. The mention of "painted candy canes on the tree" adds to this cozy ambiance, transporting the listener to a time when simple decorations were just as meaningful as the glitzier ones of today.
The second verse mentions Santa Claus, and his sleigh filled with "things, things" for everyone. This innocent mention of the jolly man in red highlights the simple, childlike joy that this holiday can stir up in all of us, regardless of age. However, the real heart of the song lies in the chorus, which acknowledges how the holiday season brings people together in love and happiness. Every song seems to say "Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true," and this song is no exception. Its three-quarter time signature (used in classical waltz music) adds to the old-fashioned romanticism of the song, making it feel like a classic tune that has been around for generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
The beauty of the winter season is on full display with frost on the window and flickering candles inside.
Painted candy canes on the tree
The Christmas tree is decorated with colorful candy canes to add some fun and sweetness to the celebration.
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh
With things, things for you and for me
The magical figure of Santa Claus is making his deliveries with lots of gifts for everyone, spreading joy and happiness during this festive time.
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true
The Christmas season is a time when people feel especially warm and loving towards each other, and the songs that fill the air wish everyone a merry and prosperous New Year.
And this song of mine in three quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing too
This particular song, played in three-quarter time, is wishing the listener and their loved ones the same festive joy and prosperity that is so common during Christmas time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMMY CAHN, JULE STYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind