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.
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Scott Hamilton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
The song "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Scott Hamilton is a classic tune that has become a popular holiday song since its release in the 1940s. The song speaks to the longing for home and the strong desire to be with loved ones during the holidays, even if it's only a dream. The opening lines state, "I'll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me." This emphasizes the promise that the singer will make it home for the holidays, as their loved ones can count on them. This sentiment is further emphasized in the repetition of the line "I'll be home for Christmas" throughout the song.
The second verse speaks of the ideal Christmas scene - "snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree." This conjures up the image of the perfect holiday, complete with traditional decorations and gifts. However, it's the final line of the verse that brings home the idea that being with loved ones is the most important part of the holiday season - "but I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams." This line is especially poignant, as it's a painful reminder that not everyone is able to be with their loved ones during the holidays.
The final verse speaks to the idea of love and warmth during the holidays - "Christmas Eve will find me where the lovelight gleams." This suggests that even if the singer is not physically present, they will still feel the warmth of their loved ones and the holiday spirit. The song ends with the repeated chorus, reinforcing the idea that the promise of being home for the holidays is one that is kept, even if it remains only a dream.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be home for Christmas
I will be present in my home for the Christmas festivities
You can plan on me
You can rely on me to be there as promised
Please have snow and mistletoe
I request for the presence of snow and mistletoe to add to the festive atmosphere
And presents on the tree
I hope to see gifts for me placed under the Christmas tree
Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I will surely be present and enjoying the festivities
Where the lovelight gleams
I will be at a place where love and warmth are abundant
I'll be home for Christmas
I will make sure to come back to my home and loved ones for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Even if I can't be there physically, I will come to my home in my dreams and thoughts
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Buck Ram, Kim Gannon, Walter Kent
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind