Christmas Music: The Best of Jazz Online
Contents
- Best Jazz Christmas Albums
- Best Jazz Christmas Songs
- Best Jazz Christmas Performances
- Best Jazz Christmas Recordings
- Best Jazz Christmas Artists
- Best Jazz Christmas Arrangements
- Best Jazz Christmas Compositions
- Best Traditional Jazz Christmas Albums
- Best Contemporary Jazz Christmas Albums
- Best Jazz Christmas Albums for Kids
Looking for some great Christmas music to help get you into the holiday spirit? Check out our picks for the best of Jazz online!
Best Jazz Christmas Albums
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to start streaming some of the best jazz Christmas albums! From smooth and silky renditions of holiday classics to original songs that will get you in the holiday spirit, these are the best jazz Christmas albums that you can stream online.
So cue up your favorite streaming service, pour yourself a glass of eggnog, and get ready to celebrate the season with some of the best jazz musicians around.
The Best Jazz Christmas Albums:
· A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
· Cool Yule by Louis Armstrong
· A John Coltrane Christmas by John Coltrane
· Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald
· Merry Christmas, Baby by various artists including Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby
Best Jazz Christmas Songs
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some festive jazz tunes? Here are some of the best Christmas songs performed by some of the genre’s most legendary musicians.
For a more traditional take on “White Christmas,” check out Bing Crosby’s performance from 1954. This classic tune was originally written by Irving Berlin for the 1942 film Holiday Inn and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, consider Frank Sinatra’s swinging version of “Jingle Bells.” This track, which features a special appearance by saxophonist Tommy Dorsey, is sure to get your toes tapping.
For a taste of something truly unique, check out Miles Davis’ rendition of “Silent Night.” This spellbinding performance strips the Christmas classic down to its bare essentials, resulting in a beautiful and meditative track.
No matter what your taste in jazz may be, there’s bound to be a Christmas tune on this list that will get you into the holiday spirit. So pour yourself a cup of eggnog, kick back, and enjoy!
Best Jazz Christmas Performances
While many people associate Christmas music with classical performers like Andrea Bocelli and Vienna Boys Choir, there are plenty of great jazz performances out there as well. If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, check out some of these great Jazz Christmas performances.
One of the best-known Jazz Christmas songs is “Merry Christmas, Baby” by Charles Brown. Brown’s smooth voice and easy delivery make this a perfect song for relaxing by the fire with a glass of eggnog. The Oscar Peterson Trio’s version of “Jingle Bells” is another great choice for kicking back and enjoying the holidays. If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, try Lionel Hampton’s “Flying Home for Christmas.” This festive tune is sure to get your toes tapping.
Looking for something a little more mellow? Check out Bill Evans’ performance of “My Favorite Things.” This classic song takes on new life in Evans’ hands, and his beautiful playing is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday gathering. If you’re in the mood for some blues, check out B.B. King’s “Christmas Celebration.” This song will definitely put you in the holiday spirit.
No matter what your taste in music, there’s sure to be a Jazz Christmas performance that you’ll enjoy. So kick back, pour yourself a glass of eggnog, and enjoy the holidays!
Best Jazz Christmas Recordings
It’s that time of year again when department stores start playing Christmas music and you can’t escape it no matter where you go. If you’re like most people, you either love it or hate it. But if you fall into the latter category, we’ve got some good news for you: there are plenty of great jazz recordings of Christmas music to help get you through the season.
From well-known artists like Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall to more obscure names like Lena Horne and Ahmad Jamal, there’s something for everyone on our list of the best jazz Christmas recordings. So whether you’re looking for something to help get you into the holiday spirit or just want some soothing background music to help ease the stress of holiday shopping, give these albums a listen. You might just find yourself a new holiday favorite.
Best Jazz Christmas Artists
In the mood for some holiday cheer? Check out our round-up of the best jazz Christmas albums to get you in the spirit. From classics by Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole to modern renditions by Diana Krall and Norah Jones, we’ve got you covered.
What are your favorite holiday tunes? Let us know in the comments below!
Best Jazz Christmas Arrangements
There are many great jazz arrangements of Christmas songs available online. Here are some of the best:
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Miles Davis – This version of the holiday classic is slow and dreamy, with Miles Davis’ smooth trumpet playing leading the way.
“Christmas Time Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi Trio – This arrangement from the beloved animated TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas is full of energy andJoy, with lively piano playing and a catchy melody.
“White Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald – This Jazz standard gets a swinging makeover from Ella Fitzgerald, with her trademark scat singing adding an extra layer of fun to the holiday classic.
“O Tannenbaum” by Oscar Peterson – This jazzy take on the traditional German Christmas carol features Oscar Peterson’s virtuosic piano playing, making it a true concert piece.
Best Jazz Christmas Compositions
Christmas time is a great time to enjoy some of the best Jazz Christmas compositions from around the web. From traditional favorites to more modern pieces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the many great Jazz Christmas pieces available online:
“Jingle Bells” by Duke Ellington – This classic piece has been performed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra countless times, and is one of the most popular Jazz Christmas pieces ever written.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Charles Mingus – Charles Mingus’ take on this holiday classic is both playful and swinging, making it a great choice for any Jazz fan’s Christmas playlist.
“We Three Kings” by Thelonious Monk – Thelonious Monk’s unique style is on full display in this atmospheric arrangement of the traditional Christmas carol.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Miles Davis – Miles Davis’ beautiful rendition of this holiday standard is sure to get you feeling festive.
So whether you’re looking for some traditional holiday classics or something a little more modern, be sure to check out some of the best Jazz Christmas music online. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!
Best Traditional Jazz Christmas Albums
Jazz and Christmas music have been intertwined since the early days of the genre. Jazz musicians have been creating unique and innovative interpretations of holiday classics for decades, and there are now hundreds of great jazz Christmas albums to choose from. So which ones should you add to your collection?
Here are some of our favorites:
-“A Charlie Brown Christmas” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio: This iconic album from 1965 is probably the most famous jazz Christmas album of all time. It’s also one of the most beloved holiday albums period, thanks to its timeless renditions of classics like “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here.”
-“Merry Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald: This 1957 release from the First Lady of Song is a timeless collection of classic holiday standards like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Winter Wonderland.”
-“A Jazz Noel” by Dave Brubeck: Released in 1968, this album features Dave Brubeck and his sons performing jazzed-up versions of traditional carols like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
-“Christmas Jazz Jam” by various artists: This 2003 release from Verve Records features a who’s who of contemporary jazz, including Diana Krall, Joe Sample, David Benoit, and Ramsey Lewis. It’s the perfect album for those looking for a more modern take on holiday classics.
Best Contemporary Jazz Christmas Albums
The shift from traditional Christmas music to contemporary jazz interpretations of holiday classics has been gradual but profound. In the past two decades, there has been a veritable explosion of great jazz Christmas albums, many of which have become perennial favorites. Here are ten of the best contemporary jazz Christmas albums, in no particular order.
1. Wynton Marsalis – The Spirit of the Holidays (1995)
2. David Benoit – This Peaceful Night (1999)
3. Dave Koz – A Quiet Storm (2002)
4. Michael Brecker – Some Skunk Funk (2003)
5. John Pizzarelli – Kisses in the Rain (2004)
6. Chris Botti – To Love Again: The Duets (2005)
7. Tuck & Patti – Tears of Joy (2006)
8. Matt Marshak – Year’s End (2008)
9. Greg Adams – East Bay Grease (2010)
10. Brian Culbertson – Dreams of Love (2011)
Best Jazz Christmas Albums for Kids
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for Christmas music! While some people love all genres of music, others prefer sticking to their favorite type of tunes year-round. If you and your family are big fans of jazz, then you might be wondering what the best jazz Christmas albums for kids are.
While many consider Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song to be a holiday classic, there are other great options out there for young listeners. If your kids are into swinging and tapping their toes, then they’ll love A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. This 1965 album features classic tracks like “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here.”
For something a little different, check out Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis’ Big Band Holiday. This album features holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bells,” but with a big band twist that is sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. If your kids are looking for something to sing along to, this is the perfect album for them!
Other great options include Cool Yule by various artists, which features tracks like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland,” and A Swingin’ Little Christmas by Brian Setzer Orchestra, which puts a jazzy spin on classics like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Whatever you choose, your kids are sure to enjoy getting into the holiday spirit with these great jazz Christmas albums!