I just watched PBS station KERA-TV in Dallas, Texas offer up their annual Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) Christmas special. Smart as always KERA was using this special as part of their annual fund raising effort. I saw this program several years ago and remembered it well - TSO’s 1999 The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. You see, I remember because it featured then lead vocalist Daryl Pediford singing his incomparable and seemingly personal Music Box Blues. If you haven’t seen the extraordinary TSO before, this is a must - especially if you like Mannheim Steamroller.
Though Daryl Pediford died tragically and all too young in 2004 he made this Christmas 2011 season special for me just by his presence on the television. His singing was a generous gift to all that saw and heard him. He delivered his songs with such emotion and passion you lived and understood every word and nuance, let alone his superb vocals.
TSO guitarist Chris Caffery eulogized Pediford as, “a rock and roll Bing Crosby” and that fits OK for me though perhaps more rhythm and blues... If more folks had the opportunity to hear and appreciate Daryl’s Music Box Blues that song would soon achieve Christmas Hall of Fame status. It’s already that for me and at least one record company includes it in their album of the top 100 Christmas Songs of all time.
Mind you, this is not your traditional “European style” Christmas song – after all it’s the blues. The song can probably be sung and appreciated any day of the year. While it sadly reflects a modern loss of relationship, it talks of the constancy of love and hope all wound up in that music box gifted on a Christmas past.
So, Diamond Daryl, thanks from all of us for bringing and sharing your gift and spirit. We offer a link to Vimeo’s offering of Daryl’s Music Box Blues. This is dedicated to musicologist Austin and his passion and love of Jazz and the Blues. Enjoy...
Happy Holidays, Aye
Ned Buxton
Though Daryl Pediford died tragically and all too young in 2004 he made this Christmas 2011 season special for me just by his presence on the television. His singing was a generous gift to all that saw and heard him. He delivered his songs with such emotion and passion you lived and understood every word and nuance, let alone his superb vocals.
TSO guitarist Chris Caffery eulogized Pediford as, “a rock and roll Bing Crosby” and that fits OK for me though perhaps more rhythm and blues... If more folks had the opportunity to hear and appreciate Daryl’s Music Box Blues that song would soon achieve Christmas Hall of Fame status. It’s already that for me and at least one record company includes it in their album of the top 100 Christmas Songs of all time.
Mind you, this is not your traditional “European style” Christmas song – after all it’s the blues. The song can probably be sung and appreciated any day of the year. While it sadly reflects a modern loss of relationship, it talks of the constancy of love and hope all wound up in that music box gifted on a Christmas past.
So, Diamond Daryl, thanks from all of us for bringing and sharing your gift and spirit. We offer a link to Vimeo’s offering of Daryl’s Music Box Blues. This is dedicated to musicologist Austin and his passion and love of Jazz and the Blues. Enjoy...
Happy Holidays, Aye
Ned Buxton
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