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“Little Drummer Boy” has long been a Christmas classic, and every year new musicians are presenting their own take on it. Coming from Los Angeles – a place that may not see snow, but is certainly magical enough for the setting of a Christmas tale – The Tano Jones Revelry are the latest collective to share their version of “Little Drummer Boy”. VENTS was delighted to interview Tano, where he talked about the type of music he makes, their “Little Drummer Boy” video, and more. Read the interview below!
Where did the name Tano Jones Revelry come from?
My buddies have called me Tano since I was a kid. When I was older and I had a gal I was crazy about, we would talk about “jonesin’ ” for each other…that idea of wanting somebody completely. Ultimately the joy that it would lead to is encapsulated in the word revelry—the simple and extraordinary things that are all around us, in plain sight, everyday.
What is the main genre of music you create? What drew you to this genre?
Yes. That is the question, isn’t it?
I do not have a word that I can use to label my music.
I am fine with this— my rule is to be authentic.
What I can say, is that for me it’s all about:
Rhythm. Life. Melody. Tales. Harmony. Love.
Rhythm is a part of most everything we all do, whether we realize it or not. Sun. Rise. Shower. Coffee. Work. Lunch. Work. Travel. Home. Dinner. Chill. Moon. Love.
Lifeis this wondrous complexity of managing ourselves and our relationships midst everything around us. It is the chaotic battle and beauty that allows us to thrive. Millions of people co-existing in so many ways…fascinating to me.
Melody….From a very young age, I would say a word — then sing it.
Don’t know why. Melody has always been a part of my mojo.
Tales…I try to deliver life via short stories, that are wrapped in melody over rhythms that entice. These stories, or tales, always seem to have subtext imbedded on many levels.
Harmony…Getting along. Two different sounds blending to form one sound that is hipper, than the two original sounds individually. Two distinct souls that are better off together. Millions of people thriving amidst collective colors and countries.
Love…is oxygen for wellness. The word we use when caring is cranked up to the highest.
In what ways did you add your own sound to your rendition of “Little Drummer Boy”? In what ways did keep it the same?
In reimagining this tale, I thought about the hearts and souls of those that stand up to give, present and serve others.
The simple story of the little drummer boy is still so poignant. The courage and humility of the little drummer boy story is the same as when it was scribed many years ago. However, I feel that it has deeper meaning when viewed through the lens of our society today. The presentation of this simple gift, of “all I have to give”, that is served up with heart for another. I believe that serving each other is the essence of what holds us all together. The workman paves the road we all travel , the farmer provides the food we all eat, the soldier protects our citizens and the EMS worker breathes life into us, at our most vulnerable moments.
I was born in Detroit and grew up with the soul, gospel, funk, and rock that permeates the area. I have learned that this has created a sort of musical DNA for me through which I instinctively hear things. For drummer boy my instinct was to give it a different rhythm and bend the melodies and lyrics in ways that were more soulful and true to my ear. The usual staccato snare flam for me did not capture the essence of this bold fearless dude. His courage, heart and fire demanded more musical freedom, unleashed melody and a bolder range of dynamics.
Why did you specifically choose “Little Drummer Boy” over other Christmas songs?
Musicians are underdogs.
Thinking about this little guy, with a snare slung over his slight shoulder,
walking toward these tall adults, whom he did not know, in the moonlight,
candles burning in the distance… this required a unique brand of confidence.
I was drawn to his bold young heart and courage.
What was the experience of creating the music video for “Little Drummer Boy” like?
It was memorable.
We shot the video in Los Angeles over two days. The director Vanessa Marzaroli was just fantastic. She took the basic video story and created something very special. Vanessa has super sensibilities on multiple levels that enriched the song, story and production. On the second day of shooting, as the late afternoon slid into evening on the beaches of LA, the setting became surreal. The song pumped through large speakers, the song rocked and the revelers danced on the sandy beach.
With a huge campfire roaring, the yellows, reds and purples of the sliding sun, ever so slowly, sank into the sea, and created a night….I will never forget.
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