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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