The Best Christmas Music: Instrumental Jazz

A great collection of the best Christmas music, Instrumental Jazz style. Perfect for when you need to get work done, or just want to relax.

The Best Christmas Music: Instrumental Jazz

Is instrumental Jazz the best Christmas music? It’s hard to say, but it’s certainly up there. Jazz Christmas music is the perfect combination of festive and relaxing, making it perfect for any holiday occasion. Plus, there are so many great versions of classic Christmas songs done in a Jazz style. Let’s take a look at some of the best.

What is Instrumental Jazz?

Instrumental Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It developed from a blend of African and Western musical traditions. The style typically features brass instruments, Woodwinds, Piano and sometimes Strings.

Instrumental Jazz became popular in the 1920s and 1930s as bands began to record their music. Many of the early recordings were made by Louis Armstrong and his band. Armstrong’s style of playing influenced many other Jazz musicians.

The popularity of Instrumental Jazz declined in the 1940s as other genres such as Bebop and Swing gained popularity. However, it remained popular in some circles and has experienced a resurgence in recent years.

The Best Instrumental Jazz Christmas Albums

This time of year, many people turn to instrumental jazz Christmas albums to get into the holiday spirit. There are a wide variety of these albums available, ranging from traditional jazz interpretations of classic carols to more modern takes on holiday favorites. No matter what your taste in music, there is sure to be an instrumental jazz Christmas album that you’ll enjoy. To help you find the perfect album, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ones available.

The Best Instrumental Jazz Christmas Albums:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio – This classic album from 1965 features jazz renditions of some of the most popular Christmas carols, including “Linus and Lucy,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.”

• Miles Davis & John Coltrane – The Final Tour: Copenhagen March 24, 1960 – This live album captures Miles Davis and John Coltrane at the height of their respective powers, performing a set that includes both original compositions and standards. While not strictly a Christmas album, it’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

• Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall – Another live album, this time featuring Thelonious Monk leading his quartet through a set that includes both holiday classics and original compositions. This is one of the most acclaimed jazz albums of all time, and it’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

• A Jazz Piano Christmas – This compilation album features some of the best-known names in jazz piano taking on a variety of holiday classics. Highlights include Oscar Peterson’s take on “Silent Night” and Dave Brubeck’s interpretation of “Jingle Bells.”

• Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas – This compilation album features a wide range of artists performing both traditional carols and original compositions in a variety of jazz styles. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to explore the wide world of jazz this holiday season.

The Best Instrumental Jazz Songs

Music is such an important part of the holiday season. It sets the tone for family gatherings, parties, and just general merriment. Jazz music is the perfect compliment to this time of year. It’s upbeat, soulful, and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for the best instrumental jazz songs to add to your holiday playlist, look no further. Here are our top picks.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

This timeless holiday classic was originally written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis. It has been recorded by countless artists over the years, but Judy Garland’s version from the film adaptation of the musical is arguably the most beloved. In recent years, it has been interpreted by a wide range of artists, from Andrea Bocelli and Bette Midler to Rosemary Clooney and Diana Krall.

“Winter Wonderland”

One of the most classic Christmas songs, “Winter Wonderland” has been recorded by nearly every famous musician under the sun. It was originally written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Dick Smith, and though it’s been covered by everyone from Lady Gaga to Miles Davis, nothing quite compares to the original instrumental version.

“The Christmas Song”

One of the all-time classic Christmas songs, “The Christmas Song” was written in 1944 by Mel Torme and Bob Wells. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, and has since been covered by many artists, including Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, and Amy Grant. This version by smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz is one of our favorites.

“White Christmas”

“White Christmas” is a song written by Irving Berlin in 1940. It’s a classic Christmas song that has been covered by many artists over the years. One of our favorite versions is this instrumental jazz rendition by the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”

This is one of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs of all time, and for good reason. The melody is simple and catchy, and the lyrics express the childlike joy of a winter snowfall. “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” was written in 1945 by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne, and it has been recorded by many artists over the years.

Instrumental versions of this song are particularly popular, as they capture the festive feel of a winter wonderland. Jazz musicians have put their own spin on “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” and there are many great versions to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:

-Dave Brubeck Quartet: This version of “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” was recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1960. The quartet was one of the most popular jazz groups of the 1950s and 1960s, and they were known for their innovative approach to music. This version of “Let It Snow” is true to their style, with a complex arrangement that features intricate solo work from each member of the group.

-Miles Davis: Miles Davis recorded this song in 1962 as part of his album “Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall.” This version is more subdued than some of the others on this list, but it’s still a beautiful piece of music. Davis’ trumpet playing is particularly gorgeous, and he’s backed up by a great band that includes saxophonist Wayne Shorter and pianist Herbie Hancock.

-Thelonious Monk: Thelonious Monk was one of the most important jazz musicians of the 20th century, and he put his unique stamp on this Christmas classic. Recorded in 1966, Monk’s version features his signature piano playing, as well as solos from saxophonist Charlie Rouse and trumpeter Wallace Davenport.

“Sleigh Ride”

With its jazzy, positive tune, “Sleigh Ride” is one of the most popular Christmas songs ever written. The song was composed in 1948 by Leroy Anderson and first recorded by his orchestra the same year. It has since been covered by many artists, including the Boston Pops, Benny Goodman, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Bublé.

“Jingle Bells”

One of the most popular and well-known Christmas songs, “Jingle Bells” was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple of holiday music, and it has been covered by a wide range of artists over the years.

Instrumental versions of “Jingle Bells” are particularly popular, as they can help set the festive mood without lyrics that might be associated with other holiday songs. Jazz renditions of “Jingle Bells” are particularly popular, as the genre’s swung rhythms and improvisational style lend themselves well to the tune.

Here are some of the best instrumental jazz versions of “Jingle Bells” that you can listen to this holiday season:

-Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra’s famous big band rendition from 1941.
-Dave Brubeck’s jazzy 1959 take on the tune, which features his signature use of odd time signatures.
– Miles Davis’ swinging 1960 version, which he recorded with his famed sextet.
– Thelonious Monk’s playful 1962 solo piano rendition.
– Wynton Marsalis’ driving 1992 version, which was recorded with his septet.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

This jazzy instrumental by Arturo Sandoval is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. It features all of the classic Christmas sounds, from sleigh bells to jingling bells, and will make you feel like you’re home for the holidays.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”

One of the reasons this song is so popular is because it has been recorded by so many different artists. The list of artists who have recorded “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” include, but are not limited to, the following:
-The Brian Setzer Orchestra
-The Ventures
-Ray Conniff
-Duke Ellington
-Kenny G
-Bing Crosby
-The Ronettes
-Bruce Springsteen
-Stevie Wonder
-The Temptations

This song was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and was first recorded by Eddie Cantor in 1934.

“Silent Night”

One of the most popular and well-known Christmas songs, “Silent Night” was originally written in German by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The song has been translated into many languages and is now a staple of Christmas music around the world.

The melody of “Silent Night” is simple and lulling, making it a perfect choice for an instrumental jazz rendition. This particular version is performed by pianist Vince Guaraldi on his 1966 album, A Charlie Brown Christmas.