Master of the saxophone ballad transforms a holiday pop favorite into a soulful blues improvisation.
"Here Comes Santa Claus" Ramsey Lewis
Sound Of Christmas (Chess/MCA)
In their prime, Ramsey Lewis and his trio could make anything sound great. Here lies the proof.
"Jingle Bells" Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Jingle Bell Swing (Columbia/Legacy)
Classic Duke sound and great choruses played with typical economy from his sidemen circa 1962.
"Skating" Vince Guaraldi
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy)
The melody captures the essence of the title in this masterpiece from the uncanny Guaraldi.
"Good Morning Blues" Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Verve)
A hipster-ish Ella swings the Basie blues in merry 6/8 time.
"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Verve)
No one does this song better. The shyness and longing of Ella's persona are palpable.
"Christmas In New Orleans" Louis Armstrong w/ the Benny Carter Orchestra
Hipster's Holiday (Rhino)
Louis recorded a lot of Christmas tunes. This one wins for the combination of Armstrong's obvious love for his subject and golden trumpet cadenzas.
"O' Tannenbaum" Vince Guaraldi
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy)
Guaraldi's elegantly stated theme and sudden shift to 4/4 create yuletide jazz perfection. Is this the most popular jazz song of all time?
"White Christmas" Charlie Parker All-Stars
Jingle Bell Jam (Verve)
Every family should serve up some Christmas Bird.
"Snowfall" Ahmad Jamal Trio
Cross Country Tour 1958-1961 (Chess MCA)
I've never heard a bad version of this aptly titled Claude Thornhill song, but Jamal's version is exceptional for his unexpected phrasing and Vernel Fournier's gently marching snare.
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"The Christmas Song" Dexter Gordon
The Panther! (Original Jazz Classics)
Master of the saxophone ballad transforms a holiday pop favorite into a soulful blues improvisation.
"Here Comes Santa Claus" Ramsey Lewis
Sound Of Christmas (Chess/MCA)
In their prime, Ramsey Lewis and his trio could make anything sound great. Here lies the proof.
"Jingle Bells" Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Jingle Bell Swing (Columbia/Legacy)
Classic Duke sound and great choruses played with typical economy from his sidemen circa 1962.
"Skating" Vince Guaraldi
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy)
The melody captures the essence of the title in this masterpiece from the uncanny Guaraldi.
"Good Morning Blues" Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Verve)
A hipster-ish Ella swings the Basie blues in merry 6/8 time.
"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Verve)
No one does this song better. The shyness and longing of Ella's persona are palpable.
"Christmas In New Orleans" Louis Armstrong w/ the Benny Carter Orchestra
Hipster's Holiday (Rhino)
Louis recorded a lot of Christmas tunes. This one wins for the combination of Armstrong's obvious love for his subject and golden trumpet cadenzas.
"O' Tannenbaum" Vince Guaraldi
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy)
Guaraldi's elegantly stated theme and sudden shift to 4/4 create yuletide jazz perfection. Is this the most popular jazz song of all time?
"White Christmas" Charlie Parker All-Stars
Jingle Bell Jam (Verve)
Every family should serve up some Christmas Bird.
"Snowfall" Ahmad Jamal Trio
Cross Country Tour 1958-1961 (Chess MCA)
I've never heard a bad version of this aptly titled Claude Thornhill song, but Jamal's version is exceptional for his unexpected phrasing and Vernel Fournier's gently marching snare.
Harry Connick Jr - When My Heart Finds Christmas.
Oscar Peterson - An Oscar Peterson Christmas
o holy night
silent night
all i want for christmas is you
white christmas