The festive season is upon us, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some jazzy Christmas tunes? From classic crooners to modern masters, we've got the perfect playlist to spice up your holiday gatherings. In this article, we'll dive into seven jazzy Christmas CDs that are sure to get you in the mood for merriment and cheer.
Getting into the holiday spirit can be a challenge, especially with the chaos of the season. But, with the right music, you can instantly transform your home into a winter wonderland. Jazz music, in particular, has a way of evoking the magic of the season. The smooth sounds, the soulful melodies, and the nostalgic charm all come together to create the perfect atmosphere for a festive holiday gathering.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in jazz music, particularly among younger generations. And, with the rise of streaming services, it's easier than ever to discover new music and create the perfect holiday playlist. But, for those who still enjoy the tactile experience of CDs, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore seven jazzy Christmas CDs that are sure to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
The Classics
When it comes to jazzy Christmas music, there are a few classic albums that never go out of style. Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" is one such album. Recorded in 1960, this iconic album features Ella's signature vocals and scat singing, backed by a swinging big band. From the opening notes of "Jingle Bells" to the closing refrain of "Silent Night," this album is the epitome of jazzy holiday cheer.
Another classic album that's sure to get you in the mood is Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song." Released in 1946, this album features Nat's smooth, velvety vocals and a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes. From the title track to "Deck the Halls," this album is a masterclass in understated elegance and sophistication.
Modern Masters
While the classics are always a great choice, there are also some amazing modern jazz Christmas albums that are worth exploring. One such album is Diana Krall's "Christmas Songs." Released in 2005, this album features Diana's sultry vocals and a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes. From the opening notes of "Jingle Bells" to the closing refrain of "Winter Wonderland," this album is a must-listen for any jazz fan.
Another modern master of jazzy Christmas music is Jamie Cullum. His 2006 album "In the Spirit of Christmas" features a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes, all infused with Jamie's signature blend of jazz, pop, and rock influences. From the opening notes of "Let it Snow" to the closing refrain of "Silent Night," this album is a true holiday treat.
Jazz Vocalists
Jazz vocalists have always been a key part of the holiday music landscape. And, in recent years, there have been some amazing albums released by some of the genre's leading vocalists. One such album is Tony Bennett's "A Swingin' Christmas." Released in 2008, this album features Tony's signature vocals and a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes. From the opening notes of "Winter Wonderland" to the closing refrain of "I'll Be Home for Christmas," this album is a true holiday classic.
Another jazz vocalist who has made a significant contribution to the holiday music landscape is Michael Bublé. His 2011 album "Christmas" features a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes, all infused with Michael's signature blend of jazz, pop, and rock influences. From the opening notes of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" to the closing refrain of "Silent Night," this album is a must-listen for any jazz fan.
Jazz Instrumentalists
While vocalists often get the lion's share of attention when it comes to holiday music, jazz instrumentalists also have a lot to offer. One such album is the Dave Brubeck Quartet's "A Dave Brubeck Christmas." Released in 1995, this album features a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes, all infused with the quartet's signature blend of jazz and classical influences. From the opening notes of "Winter Wonderland" to the closing refrain of "Silent Night," this album is a true holiday treat.
Another jazz instrumentalist who has made a significant contribution to the holiday music landscape is Wynton Marsalis. His 1989 album "Crescent City Christmas Card" features a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes, all infused with Wynton's signature blend of jazz and classical influences. From the opening notes of "Jingle Bells" to the closing refrain of "Silent Night," this album is a must-listen for any jazz fan.
Compilation Albums
Sometimes, the best way to get into the holiday spirit is with a compilation album. And, when it comes to jazz Christmas music, there are some amazing compilation albums out there. One such album is "Jazz Christmas: A Holiday Anthology." Released in 2004, this album features a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes from some of the genre's leading artists. From Ella Fitzgerald to Louis Armstrong, this album is a true holiday classic.
Another compilation album that's worth exploring is "The Best of Jazz Christmas." Released in 2011, this album features a mix of traditional and original holiday tunes from some of the genre's leading artists. From Nat King Cole to Diana Krall, this album is a must-listen for any jazz fan.
What is the best jazz Christmas album?
+There are many great jazz Christmas albums out there, but some of the most popular ones include Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas," Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song," and Diana Krall's "Christmas Songs."
Who are some popular jazz Christmas vocalists?
+Some popular jazz Christmas vocalists include Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé.
What is the best way to get into the holiday spirit?
+There are many ways to get into the holiday spirit, but some popular ones include listening to holiday music, decorating your home, and spending time with loved ones.
We hope this article has helped you find the perfect jazzy Christmas CD to get you in the mood for the holiday season. Whether you're a fan of classic crooners or modern masters, there's something on this list for everyone. So, go ahead and create the perfect holiday playlist, and get ready to jingle all the way!