Some of the most interesting pieces are the newer arrangements of old classics, and remixes of original recordings. Of course, I’ve included my all time favorite, Silent Night as recorded by The Manhattan Transfer. If you should download only one of these songs, let it be this one. The choral introduction is amazing.
I hope you enjoy these songs, and I wish you good food and health for the season and all year long.
Enjoy.
- Santa Claus is Back in Town – Elvis
I know Elvis is known for Blue Christmas, but this is my favorite of all his Christmas songs. - Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra
J-I-N-G-L-E Bells. The single best version of the song. - O Tannenbaum – Vince Guaraldi Trio
This CD is a must have for both your Christmas and Jazz collection. This track is the most Christmas-y. - I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Dean Martin
I couldn’t have a Christmas play list without at least one Dino recording. This is probably my favorite of his. - Santa Baby – Madonna
I think Madonna’s version edges out Eartha Kitt’s. - Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! - Lena Horne
Miss Lena owns this song. - Winter Wonderland – The Eurythmics
This is a great example of how some of the more contemporary performers have updated the classics and created a classic in their own rite. - Sleigh Ride – Ferrante & Teicher
For Sleigh Ride, it comes down to the orchestral arrangement of Ferrante & Teicher or The Boston Pops. Either will do. I decided to go with the lesser known version. - It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas – Harry Connick Jr.
Connick’s modern arrangement has a great retro feel. - The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
I know Mel Torme has some claim to this classic, but for me Nat is king. - Jesus O’ What a Wonderful Child – Mariah Carey
This song adds a Gospel feel to the play list and really showcases Carey’s powerful voice. - ‘Zat You, Santa Claus? – Louis Armstrong
There are several collections of remixed Christmas classics available. This is one of two on the list. I think it adds a light techno feel without losing any of good elements of the original version. - White Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald
Bing Crosby has the quintessential version of this favorite, but I like Ella’s version just as much. - Twelve Days of Christmas of Christmas – John Denver & the Muppets
Anyone born in the age of Sesame Street knows that this is THE version of Twelve Days. - God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen – Jars of Clay
This is another great example of a contemporary act bringing a whole new feel to a classic. The vocal harmonies and the guitar and string accompaniment make this an excellent recording. - Happy Xmas (War is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Accept no substitutes. - (Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man With the Bag – Kay Starr
This song is fun for kids of all ages, especially the ones old enough to enjoy it with Yuletide cocktail. “Better watch out now.” - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies (Red Baron Remix) – Berlin Symphony Orchestra
Another of the modern remixes. I’m not quite sure what Tchaikovsky would think, but it is a cool rendition. - What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve – Nancy Wilson
While this is not technically a Christmas song, it’s never too early to think about the New Year. - Carol of the Bells – Straight No Chaser
Acapella versions of this song are among the most interesting. This one by a group of University of Indiana alumni is incredible. - I”ll Be Home for Christmas – Tift Merritt
Alt-country artist Merritt’s version of this World War I era song has a warm and comfortable feel. - Silent Night – Manhattan Transfer
Every year, I find a quiet moment when I can light the Christmas tree, sip some wine and listen to this song. It’s my personal holiday ritual. - Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
This song is the perfect send-off to an evening of entertaining.
CD Alternatives
If you like the jazzy piano songs try A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Holidays 2009 Pandora Radio Station
