A Jazzy Christmas – Volume 1
This radio blog is dedicated to my sister-in-law who is celebrating her birthday today.
The above photo is a barge of Christmas decorations sitting on Lake Merritt in Oakland.
Now that we have completed the classics, it is time to make the holiday season a little jazzy and mellow. Many of this week’s songs were found on some great Christmas music compilations which are always fun because you can get a good sampling of music from a variety of artists. This week’s tune include Shirley Horn’s ever so cool rendition of “The Christmas Song”, Patti Austin’s heartwarming “Christmastime is Here”, Eric Reed’s beautiful “Angels in the Snow” and Jack Terrasson’s swinging “Adeste Fideles/Little Drumer Boy Jam.” Several of these songs are my personal favorites and some are new treasures such “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” from Anita Baker’s recent Christmas Fantasy release.
I was going to give you a clever close with words of seasonal joy and humor but I think the comment Mark left says it best:
The remarkable gift of music is showcased on j-notes latest entry. This week’s selection highlights the jazz world’s contribution to Christmas music. It opens with Shirley Horn’s version of “The Christmas Song” and closes with Eliane Elias’, “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.” Sit back, grab some eggnog and let this compilation warm your days and nights.
Enjoy your music!
A Jazzy Christmas – Volume 1 (listen here!)
01 – Shirley Horn – “The Christmas Song” from Jazz for Joy (1996)
02 – Houston Person – “Blue Christmas” from Williams-Sonoma – Jingle Bell Jazz (1994)
03 – Patti Austin – “Christmas Time Is Here” from Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown! (1990)
04 – Joe Sample – “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” from Christmas For Lovers (2001)
05 – Dianne Reeves – “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” from Christmas Time Is Here (2004)
06 – Ramsey Lewis – “Snowfall” from Christmas For Lovers (1964)
07 – René Marie – “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” from MAXJAZZ Holiday (2001)
08 – Eric Reed – “Angels in the Snow” from Merry Magic (2003)
09 – Natalie Cole – “Carol of the Bells” from The Magic of Christmas (1999)
10 – Grover Washington, Jr. – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Breath of Heaven: A Holiday Collection (1997)
11 – Eric Reed f/t Paula West – “Santa Baby” from Merry Magic (2003)
12 – Oscar Peterson – “What Child Is This?” from An Oscar Peterson Christmas (1995)
13 – Carla Cook – “Do You Hear What I Hear?” from MAXJAZZ Holiday (2001)
14 – Jacky Terrasson – “Adeste Fideles/Little Drumer Boy Jam” from Yule Be Boppin’ (1997)
15 – Grover Washington, Jr. f/t Lisa Fischer – “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” from Breath of Heaven: A Holiday Collection (1997)
16 – Ben Tankard – “Joy to the World” from Christmas (1991)
17 – Anita Baker – “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” from Christmas Fantasy (2005)
18 – Roy Hargrove/Christian McBride – “Frosty the Snowman” from Jazz for Joy (1996)
19 – Kurt Elling – “Cool Yule” from Yule Be Boppin’ (1997)
20 – Eliane Elias – “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” from Yule Be Boppin’ (1997)
The remarkable gift of music is showcased on j-notes latest entry. This week’s selection highlights the jazz world’s contribution to Christmas music. It opens with Shirley Horn’s version of “The Christmas Song” and closes with Eliane Elias’, “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.” Sit back, grab some eggnog and let this compilation warm your days and nights.