The site for ranting and reporting by John Masters
I would classify things in this category that were related to arts, literature, cinema, performance. Things that make us and the world better.
I stumbled across Chris Commisso’s YouTube channel some time back. He doesn’t his own arrangements of carols and hymns, and does a great job with arrangements and the performance. This is his arrangement of the old standby, “O Holy Night.” I love this carol and especially this arrangement. It’s totally true to the original tune, but with just enough embellishment to really showcase this pianist’s talents.
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Maybe my favorite Carol. This version is performed by Aled. I first heard this song performed by the Tampa Gay Men’s Chorus when I lived down here the first time in the Tampa Theater. Things weren’t great in my life at the time, but I remember looking up at that blue lighted ceiling with the tiny lights in it as stars, and I finally felt like things would be OK. This one is worth taking a few minutes out of your day to hear.
Read moreThis is a piano arrangment of Joy To World I found on Youtube which is pretty good. It’s one of the great classics and had been performed in nearly every combination of voice and instruments imaginable, so it’s never been hard to find one more really good one. I hope you enjoy this few minutes.
Read moreHere’s a great video short which follows Charlie Brown as he heads out from New York City to visit home for the holidays. Things worked out about like I would have expected for the main characters. I certainly wouldn’t call it uplifting, but it is good for a chuckle.
Read moreThis is an amazing organ version of the old classic, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” played on the organ in the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. The pedal work is beyond outstanding. You have to see it to believe it.
Read moreThis is a really cute and amazing organ arrangement played on the Mormon Tabernacle organ. I believe the arrangement is by the organist. It’s really fun to try to see how many other Christmas songs he managed to slip into it. In addition, it an amazing showcase of his skills and the capabilities of that organ. I hope you enjoy.
Read moreI confess, I love the Muppets. I have since I was a kid, and I’d still watch their show if it was on. Here’s a version of Hark How The Bells with a few of their more interesting characters. Yes, it’s cheesy, but that’s what makes it fun, and isn’t that a whole lot of what the season is supposed to be about? Take a minute, and put a smile on your face. You won’t be able to help yourself.
Read moreWho can forget the Vince Geraldi score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas?” I stumbled across this guys videos of his interpretations of all sorts of songs. He seems to do requests from followers. Anyway, enjoy his version of medley from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Hope you helps you get in the mood.
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Two twelve-year-olds fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore — and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. This was a great movie which we watched way back in June.
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We’ve added a new survey. We’re asking you to name your three favorite Holiday movies for this time of year. If you especially like on that’s not on the list, let me know, and we’ll add it. My personal favorites are A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas Vacation, the old and sappy White Christmas, and the granddaddy of them all, A Christmas Story.
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Based on the novel written by Stephen Chbosky, this is about 15-year-old Charlie (Logan Lerman), an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love (Emma Watson), the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs. The introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam and Patrick, who welcome him to the real world. I love this movie. It’s amazing. It has a great script, great cast, it’s well directed, awesome soundtrack and undeniable strong performances. This is one of the best coming of age movies I’ve ever seen.
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