Why this tune?
This week’s tune “Hanukkah Time” is brand new, written earlier the same day as this post and the Tunes on Tuesday video. Songwriters are often asked if the words or the melody come first when writing a song. The answer for this one is neither. This song started with that drum loop you, hear, a sample from LA drummer Fernando Sanchez. I worked out the start of a chord progression with that loop in my head, and decided to apply the groove to the Festival of Lights. I already wrote one song for the holiday, “Hanukkah Light,” in 2009, but that has a more melancholy feel. I took the opportunity to write another with a happier feel.
We’re planning a short trip during Hanukkah, and I may take a hanukiya with me so we can keep up with the candles. That got me thinking about Hanukkah as a “portable” holiday, one you can celebrate anywhere with minimal equipment. All you need is some candles and a place to set them up. You can improvise a hanukiya if you don’t have one on hand. I came up with short sketches of Hanukkah celebrations in traditional and non-traditional places.
Wherever (and whatever) you celebrate, best wishes for a happy holiday season!
Tunes On Tuesday Reel
Check it out!
Complete song
Oren Levine, jazz pianist and songwriter 