Scott Hamilton is a jazz tenor saxophonist associated with swing (music) an… Read Full Bio ↴Scott Hamilton is a jazz tenor saxophonist associated with swing (music) and mainstream jazz.

He emerged in the 1970s and at the time he was considered to be one of the few musicians of real talent who carried the tradition of the classic jazz tenor saxophone in the style of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins as well as Zoot Sims and Don Byas forward. He began playing in various rhythm & blues outfits in Providence (Rhode Island), but subsequently shifted to jazz and the tenor saxophone. In 1976 he moved to New York City at, in part the recommendation of Roy Eldridge. He there joined Benny Goodman for a period of time. During this time, he also developed an alcohol problem.,[1] In the early 1980's he had formed his own quintet and toured all over the world. By then free from his drinking habit, in 1982 he had matured sufficiently to be able to break away from the spell of mainly Ben Webster and Zoot Sims, of whom he had been criticized of imitating. From this point on both his playing and his tone was very much his own.

Living in New York City, he toured all around the world during the 1980's, playing Japan and all over Europe. He was in particular a recurrent visitor to the UK, Sweden and the Grand Parade du Jazz, held in Nice, France. By the early 1990's he was ready for a next step and by 1994 when he released Organic Duke, he had developed a quite singular style: a large, well rounded but still focused tone and improvising, ostensibly still based on the swing idiom (especially Ellington), but incorporating more modern elements. During this period, he relocated to London, and formed his current quartet, featuring John Pearce (p), Dave Green (b) and Steve Brown (dr). He is currently active touring all over Europe.

He has had over forty albums as a lead most on the Concord Records label.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Scott Hamilton Lyrics

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Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay

From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow

So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Overall Meaning

The song 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' by Scott Hamilton is a classic Christmas song that is known for spreading holiday cheer and creating a festive atmosphere. The lyrics of the song encourage people to celebrate Christmas and leave all their worries behind. The first verse of the song reflects a sentiment of joy and optimism, as the singer urges listeners to let their hearts be light and forget all their troubles. The second verse continues with the theme of rejoicing, as the singer encourages listeners to make the Yuletide gay and spread the holiday spirit with the people around them.

The song then alludes to the past, referring to happy memories of olden days and the faithful friends who have been a constant source of love and support. The singer encourages people to hold on to these memories and cherish their loved ones during the holiday season. The final verse of the song is a hopeful one, as the singer envisions a future where all will be together if fate allows. The verse concludes with the imagery of a shining star, symbolizing hope and renewal, hanging high above, encouraging listeners to have themselves a merry little Christmas.

Overall, 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' is a timeless classic that brings people together and reminds them of the importance of love, hope, and togetherness during the holiday season.

Line by Line Meaning

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wish yourself a joyful and delightful Christmas season

Let your heart be light
Be cheerful and happy, and let go of any worries

From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Let's forget our problems, and enjoy the holiday spirit

Make the Yuletide gay
Celebrate the festive season with gaiety and merriment

Here we are as in olden days
We are together just like we used to be in the old days

Happy golden days of yore
Recall the happy and golden days of the past

Faithful friends who are dear to us
Our loyal and cherished friends who mean a lot to us

Gather near to us once more
Come together with us, just like old times

Through the years we all will be together
We will always be with each other, even as time goes by

If the fates allow
Assuming that destiny permits it to happen

So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Put up the most impressive star on top of the Christmas tree