You gotta smile when you hear Leroy Anderson‘s music – especially Sleigh Ride, the original Whip & Neigh Neigh. Originally an instrumental piece, words were written for Anderson’s singable melody shortly after it was composed.

And in case you were wondering, the German word for “Sleigh Ride” is “Schlittenfahrt”.

Need I say more?

John Williams is easily the most-performed living composer. In Art Music circles, you may see people turning their noses up at his music. Ignore those people. They are just jealous that there is an Art Music composer out there who is actually getting some attention. The truth of the matter is, you can’t get to where John Williams is without being awesome. So here’s the most popular and influential composer of our time, and his glorious music!

And here’s to the most popular and influential epic of our time!

T-minus two days to turkey.

The classic American dessert for Thanksgiving is, of course, pumpkin pie.

But let me suggest something different this year – something a little smoother, richer, spicier. So once you’ve downed your turkey, and your host asks if you’d like a slice of pumpkin pie, you should reply, “No thanks – Cheesecake for me.”

Pull up your favorite chair, pour yourself a cup of hot coffee, and grab a slice of New York Cheescake. Then listen to one of the best saxophonists of all time:

This track comes from Gordon’s 1962 album, Go. The rest of the album is great, too; if you want more, check it out here.