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Best Jazz Christmas Songs Of All-Time
"The Christmas Song" by Dexter Gordon
From The Panther! (Original Jazz Classics)Master of the saxophone ballad transforms a holiday pop favorite into a soulful blues improvisation.
"Here Comes Santa Claus" by Ramsey Lewis
From Sound Of Christmas (Chess/MCA)In their prime, Ramsey Lewis and his trio could make anything sound great. Here lies the proof.
"Jingle Bells" by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
From Jingle Bell Swing (Columbia/Legacy)Classic Duke sound and great choruses played with typical economy from his sidemen circa 1962.
"Skating" by Vince Guaraldi
From A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy)The melody captures the essence of the title in this masterpiece from the uncanny Guaraldi.
"Good Morning Blues" by Ella Fitzgerald
From 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?" by Ella Fitzgerald
From 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" by Louis Armstrong with the Benny Carter Orchestra
From 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" by Vince Guaraldi
From 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" by Charlie Parker All-Stars
From Jingle Bell Jam (Verve)Every family should serve up some Christmas Bird.
"Snowfall" by Ahmad Jamal Trio
From 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.
About Vince Guaraldi
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