[Dixielandjazz] Twas The Night Before Christmas

[Russ Guarino]

Thanks, Steve,

Russ Guarino

Stephen Barbone wrote:

> T'was the night before Christmas and all through the land,
> Not a jazz man was stirring, no noise from my band.
> And I as the leader nestled snug in my chair,
> Was thinking about gigs, hey who got my share?
> When out past the dance floor there arose such a clatter,
> I sprang out of my funk, what could be the matter?
>
> Out past the band stand I flew like a flash,
> Out past the coat room and up to the sash.
> I looked out the window, upwards and then,
> Saw a miniature sleight pulled by eight hip sidemen.
> With a little band leader so lively and quick,
> That I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick.
>
> Faster than lightening, towards me they came,
> As he pointed and shouted and called them by name.
> Now clarinet, banjo, guitar, piano and drums,
> Up bass, trombone, washboard, there's none of us bums.
> Onto the rooftop they landed with glee,
> A full jazz band swinging, completely clam free.
>
> And then in a moment, the whole building shook,
> Down came Saint Nick with  filled up gig book.
> He was happy and joyous, gigs bulged from his sack,
> Like a proper advance man who had mastered the knack.
> His uniform sparkled, business surely was booming,
> And he said it was time jazz music went zooming.
>
> As he sat on my band stool, he broke out into laughs,
> First writing up contracts, then signing the drafts.
> He booked ninety concerts, well above union list,
> And with bank authorizations put the check in my fist.
> Tore up my loans and said not to fret,
> For he knew a good fairy who would pay off my debt.
>
> Then laying his finger aside of his nose,
> He gave me a nod, to the rooftop he rose.
> He sprang into his sleigh and gave out a cry,
> As he headed those sidemen up into the sky.
> "Merry Christmas to all, and lots of good cheer."
> "May Our Kind Of Music be popular next year."
>
> Peace and Love you,
> Steve Barbone
>
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