While “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” is a beloved Christmas carol, Joseph Spence, the Bahamian guitar legend, offers a rendition that’s truly out of the ordinary. For those seeking a departure from the usual holiday tunes, Spence’s interpretation is a refreshing and captivating discovery.
Many find themselves wearied by the repetitive holiday music that dominates the airwaves each December. It was during one such moment of holiday music fatigue that a listener stumbled upon the brilliance of Joseph Spence. Listening to a radio show, the presenter recounted hearing Spence’s version of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” for the first time, an experience that proved to be a musical revelation. The sounds were unlike anything they had encountered before, filled with an infectious joy and unique musicality that demanded immediate attention.
Joseph Spence, who lived from 1910 to 1984, wasn’t a household name for many, but his influence resonates deeply within the music community. Renowned artists like Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, and even the Grateful Dead cite him as a significant inspiration. His music reached a wider audience in 1959 with the Smithsonian Folkways album, “Music of the Bahamas Volume One: Bahamian Folk Guitar.” This album, featuring field recordings by Samuel Charters, played a crucial role in highlighting the diverse musical traditions of North Americans of African descent and the blues’ influence on jazz. Charters’ dedication to preserving these musical forms led him to capture the raw talent of folk musicians like Joseph Spence, recording him right on his front porch.
What makes Joseph Spence’s recordings so captivating is his distinctive vocal style. While the lyrics of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” are present, they often intertwine with Spence’s improvisational scat singing, flavored by the rhythmic cadence of Bahamian Creole. Beyond his vocals, Spence’s guitar technique is truly remarkable. Samuel Charters initially believed he was hearing two guitarists when he first encountered Spence. Many skilled guitarists admire his complex fingerpicking, finding it both inspiring and challenging to replicate. Spence transformed his sometimes out-of-tune guitar into a one-man band, combining intricate finger work with percussive vocal sounds and rhythmic beats on the guitar body.
For a truly unique dose of holiday cheer, venturing into Joseph Spence’s world of music, particularly his rendition of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town song”, is highly recommended. It’s a testament to his genius and a reminder that even familiar tunes can be transformed into something extraordinary.
