The Best Jazz Christmas Music to Play on Piano

One of the best things about Christmas is the music. There are so many great Christmas songs to choose from, and many of them can be played on piano. If you’re looking for some great jazz Christmas music to play on piano, look no further. Here are some of the best jazz Christmas songs to play on piano.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Bill Evans

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is a classic piano jazz Christmas song. It was composed by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin. Bill Evans’ arrangement of the song is a holiday favorite.

“The Christmas Song” by Oscar Peterson

“The Christmas Song” is a timeless classic written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, and has been covered by many artists over the years. Oscar Peterson’s version is a swinging jazz piano arrangement that will put you in the holiday spirit.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Thelonious Monk

One of the most popular and recorded Christmas songs of all time, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” was penned by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934. It’s been covered by just about every artist imaginable, from Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen, but it’s Thelonious Monk’s version that has become a holiday standard.

Recorded in 1954, Monk’s arrangement is spare and atmospheric, with his trademark eccentricities on full display. The off-kilter melody floats atop a bed of gentle piano chords, with Monk’s right hand dancing around the jazz harmony in surprising ways.

It’s a brilliant and unique take on a classic song, and it’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

“Jingle Bells” by Dave Brubeck

One of the jazz greats, Dave Brubeck released his own take on “Jingle Bells” in 1962. He recorded the song with his quartet, which included Paul Desmond on saxophone. The recording is playful and full of holiday cheer.

“Winter Wonderland” by Erroll Garner

Erroll Garner’s version of “Winter Wonderland” is a beloved holiday classic. The up-tempo arrangement is perfect for jazz piano, and Garner’s unique style is sure to put a smile on your faces.

“White Christmas” by McCoy Tyner

McCoy Tyner is one of the most respected and influential jazz pianists of all time, and his version of “White Christmas” is nothing short of a masterpiece. Tyner’s arrangement is beautiful and intricate, and his playing is dynamic and soulful. This is a must-hear for any fan of jazz piano.

“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal is one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, and this holiday classic is one of his most famous recordings. Featuring beautiful piano work, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is a must-have for any jazz Christmas playlist.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Bill Evans

Considered by many to be one of the best jazz Christmas songs ever recorded, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Bill Evans is a must-have for any jazz Christmas music playlist. The song was originally recorded by Evans in 1962 and has been covered by many artists since, but Evans’ version remains the most popular.

“Silent Night” by Oscar Peterson

One of the best-known and most frequently recorded jazz standards, “Silent Night” was originally a German carol composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818. The English lyrics, written by John Freeman Young, were first published in 1859. Over the years, many jazz pianists have recorded their own versions of this holiday classic.

Oscar Peterson’s arrangement is one of the most popular, and his recording of “Silent Night” with the Oscar Peterson Trio is considered a holiday jazz classic. Peterson’s arrangement is moderate in tempo and features a walking bass line that gives the piece a swinging feel. The melody is played by Peterson in a straight-ahead style, with simple embellishments. His lush chord voicings add harmonic interest and color to the arrangement.

“Auld Lang Syne” by Thelonious Monk

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish ballad that enjoys widespread popularity around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. The melody of Auld Lang Syne is often associated with the holiday season and New Year’s Eve, and it has been covered by many artists over the years.

Thelonious Monk was one of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century, and his unique style has influenced countless other musicians. His cover of “Auld Lang Syne” is a perfect example of his mastery of the genre, and it’s sure to get your toes tapping this holiday season.

The Best Jazz Christmas Music to Play on Piano