Let's start off with this new category, where we have a selection of arrangements literally unlike anything seen before. With two exceptions, all of these were prepared using original scores &/or parts from the historic recording sessions (Ella's Sleigh Ride & Bing with the Andrews Sisters' Santa Claus is Coming to Town are the only transcriptions).
Please click on the below links for holiday fare from each of these jazz giants.
Ella Fitzgerald: We have choices from Ella's timeless I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm to her Sleigh Ride, which has taken on new meaning from its use in the holiday film Elf, as well as Frosty, Rudolph, Jingle Bells & more from her classic Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, and many others.
Frank Sinatra: The Chairman left an indelible mark on all genres he touched, holiday music most definitely high among them. We have eight here, including his absolutely beautiful rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Nat 'King' Cole: Just one song here, but what a song! One of the short list contenders for most favorite of all holiday tunes, Nat's version of The Christmas Song.
Louis Armstrong: We have two here from Pops, & two great ones they are, 'Zat You, Santa Claus? and Cool Yule.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra: Our close collaboration with the mastermind of the multi-platinum Miller holiday records, Dale Thompson, has led to our publishing many of these great charts. So many classics are here in the Miller style. We'd especially like to recommend Dale's composition, In the Christmas Mood - this one brilliantly evokes the holiday spirit through the timeless sound prism of the Glenn Miller legacy.
Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters: We have It's Beginning to Look (a Lot Like) Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas & more, & with the Andrews Sisters, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, & their signature classic, Mele Kalikimaka.
Tony Bennett: Mr. Bennett collaborated with Robert Farnon on a very touching Christmas album. We proudly present six of the charts here, along with one from our friend Marion Evans.
Jazz at Lincoln Center: Our close relationship with these jazz luminaries offers ten arrangements from their Big Band Holidays albums, written by Wynton Marsalis, Sherman Irby, Ted Nash, & other members of the band.
Wynton Marsalis: One of jazz's most fertile minds offers some great holiday combo charts.
Rob McConnell: Several highly original takes on the holiday's from Canada's brilliant composer/arranger.
Shorty Rogers: Take a look at the rollicking, playful take on the Nutcracker from this West Coast jazz stalwart.
