Dick Hyman's striding "Deck the Halls," complete with references to Fats Waller, is pretty easy. There's a mix of centuries-old carols, 20th century gems, and even a fine performance by Michel Camilo of José Feliciano's normally tiresome "Feliz Navidad." What's particularly fun about this CD is trying to identify each artist without looking at the booklet. It was sold directly through the network and likely offered as a membership premium by some of their member stations. By 2000, NPR had quite a stockpile of individual tracks, and selected 17 of them for this holiday compilation. 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.In December 1991, National Public Radio began airing an annual Christmas special called A Jazz Piano Christmas, which obviously consisted of a dozen or solo piano solos by a wide swath of pianists, all of whom were recorded specifically for the program. "White Christmas" by Charlie Parker All-StarsĮvery family should serve up some Christmas Bird.įrom Cross Country Tour 1958-1961 (Chess MCA) Is this the most popular jazz song of all time? Guaraldi's elegantly stated theme and sudden shift to 4/4 create yuletide jazz perfection. This one wins for the combination of Armstrong's obvious love for his subject and golden trumpet cadenzas. "Christmas In New Orleans" by Louis Armstrong with the Benny Carter Orchestra The shyness and longing of Ella's persona are palpable. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Ella Fitzgerald The melody captures the essence of the title in this masterpiece from the uncanny Guaraldi.įrom Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Verve)Ī hipster-ish Ella swings the Basie blues in merry 6/8 time. "Jingle Bells" by Duke Ellington & His OrchestraĬlassic Duke sound and great choruses played with typical economy from his sidemen circa 1962. In their prime, Ramsey Lewis and his trio could make anything sound great. Master of the saxophone ballad transforms a holiday pop favorite into a soulful blues improvisation. I will save a special lump of coal just for you.įrom The Panther! (Original Jazz Classics) Don't agree? Post the all-time Christmas jazz song of your choice in the comments section below. Do you agree? Then post your holiday toast to my list. Ten instances, to be exact, and you'll find them below. While moldy Christmas songs and great jazz seem as compatible as egg nog and Tanqueray, there have been instances where the planets have aligned to create songs that display the best of both genres.
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