I’m Dreaming of Something Old and New
Christmas means different things to different people. Every person has his or her own unique experience with the most wonderful time of year. For some, it’s about good food and family. Others embrace the spirit of good deeds and gift giving. And many view this time as one of the holiest of the calendar year. Still, there are certain yuletide staples that have come to define the Christmas season for everyone. Tree trimming. Christmas lights and wrapping paper. Candy canes, stockings, Christmas cookies and eggnog. And of course there are those Christmas carols, the soundtrack of this truly special time of year. Where would we be without those?
Who can honestly say that their Christmas would be complete without listening to these festive songs? All of us need to revel in the sound of “Jingle Bells,” or the opportunity to delight in knowing that “Santa Claus is Coming To Town.” And what would Christmas be if we couldn’t sit around a fire and let Bing Crosby share his dreams as he regales us with his evocative, timeless classic, “White Christmas”? Yes, these things all transcend time and will remain secure in the Christmas lexicon, forever.
Now with all due reverence for the Crosby masterpiece, even this time honored tradition can be improved, or at least experienced through a different lens. And that is exactly what singer Tom Petrone has gifted to us this Christmas season.
“I transposed all of the music to a different key from the Irving Berlin version that Bing Crosby sings,” noted Petrone. “I made sure that every instrument could be heard. It was a massive undertaking, but one that has breathed new life into something that is already so very beautiful.”
Petrone had some assistance while reworking the signature Christmas ballad. Several notable musicians joined Mr. Petrone for this remarkable reimagining.
“Wayne Shuster was on sax,” Petrone recalled with a smile. “Anthony Morra played the drums and all percussion, Stuart Watarz handled all of the piano and Adrian Irvine was on the strings. It was quite a talented group, all assembled in one place.”
The result is nothing short of magical. Listeners will delight as Tom Petrone manages to preserve the traditional nuances of the most played song in history while incorporating some very engaging creative touches that are undeniably Petrone.
Dan Marshall, co-founder and CEO of MP Music House, Petrone’s label, was effusive with his praise of Petrone and his efforts. “Tom Petrone covering the classic ‘White
Christmas’ is one of the most notable endeavors to occur in music in a long time. Listeners have marveled for years over Petrone’s sultry, original jazz stylings, but this is something that solidifies Petrone as a musical giant.”
And for listeners, this new release ushers in a brand new, noteworthy experience with something that’s been around for as long as most can remember.
Tom Petrone’s version of “White Christmas” will be available this Christmas on all streaming platforms, September 8, 2023