Christmas is nearly here, so I wanted to share some of my favorite Christmas albums with you. The holiday has inspired the best musicians for generations, so there’s no shortage to choose from! If you loved my album “Yesterday Once More,” you’ll want to work these classic albums into your holiday traditions.
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas
Known as both the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz,” it’s no surprise that Ella Fitzgerald’s Christmas tunes are still popular today. On “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas,” Lady Ella leads an orchestra through the holiday standards.
Listen to her take on ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ and you won’t want to hear anyone else sing it this year.
Barbra Streisand – “A Christmas Album”
Barbra Streisand, who stands alongside Ella as one of my favorite singers, is responsible for one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time. In “A Christmas Album,” Streisand shows off her ability to take an old standard somewhere totally new – creating something that’s uniquely hers.
Treat yourself to her moving rendition of ‘Silent Night.’
Etta James – “12 Songs of Christmas”
Etta James combined Yuletide forces with pianist Cedar Walton for these 12 Christmas standards. Turn to “12 Songs of Christmas” when you need a bluesy take on the holiday season.
One of my favorite songs on this album is ‘Merry Christmas Baby.’ I love the way the vocals, piano and saxophone play off each other, without stifling anyone’s voice. Each musician’s brilliance shines through!
Vince Guaraldi – “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
If “12 Songs of Christmas” gets you in the mood for piano jazz, this Christmas classic is what you should listen to next. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has been adored by casual music fans and musicians alike for more than 50 years.
Even though this album is known for its piano mastery, it features classic vocal performances, like the children singing on ‘Christmas Time is Here.”
If you love this album, but are looking for something new, try “A Dave Brubeck Christmas.” Brubeck’s cool jazz style is similar to Guaraldi’s—he was even hired to score some Charlie Brown cartoons in the ‘80s!
“Hipsters’ Holiday”
Why settle for just one Christmas album, when you can sample the best of each? “Hipsters’ Holiday” tries to pack in all the best Christmas songs, from the biggest names in jazz and R&B.
This album’s all about having fun, and it doesn’t get much more fun than Louis Armstrong’s ‘Zat You Santa Claus.’ Pearl Bailey also gives Satchmo a run for his money with the hilarious (and swinging) ‘Five Pound Box of Money.’
Those are some of my favorite Christmas albums. What are yours? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to enjoy my album, "Yesterday Once More," over the holidays, too!
With Love,
Maggy