Christmas Vocal Jazz music

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas I

Review: Thad Jones, a wonderful writer, left us the beautiful, sensitive piece, 'A Child Is Born.' With all due respect to the music, the arrangement is simple, sparse and, of course, a cappella. Vocalists must work wholeheartedly with breathing, phrasing, matching of vowel shapes, cutoffs and impeccable dynamics. Ellen Hoffman's arrangement of 'A Song For Christmas' is a fun jazzy tune for all who love the season. A knockout amalgam of jazz waltz/traditional carol moves 'Carol of the Bells' along at a rocket pace with phrases alternating between straight 8th and swing, and harmonic content between jazz and traditional. The middle section of the piece offers a brief slowdown before returning to the fast-paced crescendo to the climax. With an uptempo swinging groove, a rockin solo and gorgeous background vocals, 'Merry Christmas Baby' is sure to be an audience pleaser at your holiday concert.

Songlist: A Child Is Born, A Song For Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Silent Night

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas II

Review: 'Let it Snow' is written for an a cappella jazz group with sort of a Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 approach. The SAATBB a cappella arrangement of 'Silent Night' starts simply and plaintively, then fills out harmonically over three verses. Provides a nice quiet moment for a Christmas concert. 'Santa Claus Is Comin To Town' is transformed into a hard-swingin', lighthearted arrangement. It features solos for a male and female, a half chorus scat solo, and a big shout chorus finish. Light vocal percussion and a strong bass singer are necessary. You will love this harmonically challenging, yet rewarding piece! Students, pros and parents alike will love the a cappella swing arrangement of 'Winter Wonderland. Fun to sing and has a big ending. Low bass has a written walking-bass line.

Songlist: Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Waltz, Let It Snow

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas III

Review: The touching Alfred Burt/Wihla Hutson Christmas carol, 'Some Children See Him' is a gentle but jazz-flavored arrangement. Some reharmonization, yet retains the sweet quality of the original. Features female and male solo spots. The arrangement of 'O Christmas Tree' is an upbeat a cappella version featuring close harmonies and key changes. A brief, warm rubato opening is followed by a swing scat duet, full group in major and minor keys, a foray into 3/4, then a final swing section under a scat solo. SSATTB requiring a strong bass. 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' has a light and happy feel. Bass pedals, soprano descant, bass lines and rhythmic shots occur throughout. A modulation in the last A section is delightfully unexpected. It's a great chart to end the Christmas show.

Songlist: Some Children See Him, O Christmas Tree, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Ward Swingle : Swingle Bells Set 1

Review: A collection of Christmas medleys. From the arranger: This medley has a strong jazz feeling with "Jingle Bells" in a fast tempo, "Il est ne" half that fast and Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" half as fast again. As with my Bach arrangements, this medley contains a fusion of jazz and classical styles. "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" is treated here in a medium-tempo jazz style including some scat singing. "The First Noel" is in a more traditional choral style whereas "Go Tell It On the Mountain" has a strong Dixieland feeling. "El Noi de la Mare" is one of my all-time favorite melodies. It comes from the Catalan region near Barcelona. I've given the Czech carol "Hanej, nynej, Jeziski" ("Rocking Carol") a Mozart-like accompaniment, and Canzone d'i Zampagnari" some rhythms suggesting Italian folk music. The Norwegian carol "O Jul med din Glede" has "bouree" rhythms contrasted with a light, jazz feeling. "Komt, Verwondert u hier Menson" (Dutch) has a "pop" style with even 8th notes. "Away in a Manger" is done as a bass solo with string-like accompaniment.

Songlist: Swingle Bells I, Swingle Bells II, Swingle Bells III, Swingle Bells IV, Swingle Bells V

Ward Swingle : Swingle Bells Set 2

Review: "Les anges dans nos campagnes" should have a careful "fusion" of classical and jazz styles. I've arranged "O Tannenbaum" as a duet for baritone and soprano combining the German text with some scat singing. "Bel Astre que j'adore" is a simple arrangement with a soprano solo. Silent Night, the most famous of all Christmas melodies, doesn't require a lot of comment. The voices accompanying the alto solo simulate muted brass sounds in the first verse and become woodwinds in the second. "Deck the Halls" starts out in a fast, Mozart-like style then transforms into medium-tempo, big band feeling. "What Child is This?" has a soprano solo with some improvisational scat singing and an accompaniment in 3/4 jazz tempo. Includes "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime," and "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella." "Swingle Bells X" was commissioned by the Mid-America Singers and I have added it to the already existing "Swingle Bells" medleys. This one mixes Latin, Huron and French carols. I was surprised by how easily they fit together!

Songlist: Swingle Bells VI, Swingle Bells VII, Swingle Bells VIII, Swingle Bells IX, Swingle Bells X

Will Todd : Six Jazz Carols

Review: Innovative jazz arrangements of six carols originally created for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields, London by Will Todd. Rich harmonies serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material which is written for SATB voices and piano, with scope for optional congregational singing.

Songlist: Three Jazz Carols, Once in Royal David's City, Away In a Manger, Three More Jazz Carols, In the Bleak Midwinter, Personent Hodie, Silent Night, We Three Kings

Audrey Snyder : Once Upon a Wintertime

Review: You'll love the fresh feel of this delightful jazz waltz that comes alive with the joys of the season! A perfect opener for your winter concert, this arrangement is quite singable and will add the perfect touch of nostalgia! Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:00.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SAB,   SATB

Audrey Snyder : The Christmas Song

Review: An ideal finale, this stunning setting is sure to become a standard in your holiday concert programming. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Concert Band, ShowTrax. Performance Time: Approx. 3:55.

Sheet Music Available: SSAA,   SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   SSAA

As Performed by: Nat King Cole

Chris Eastburn : Jazzy Old St. Nick

Review: Here's a jazzy, swingin' take on an old holiday favorite. The surprise pauses and clever orchestration make this the perfect novelty or concert closer. Perform it with piano, Showtrax CD or the optional chamber orchestra for extra holiday sparkle! Available separately: 2-Part, Chamber Orchestra score and parts (fl1, fl2, ob1, ob2, cl1, cl2, bn1, bn2, hn1, hn2, timp, perc1, perc2, str:88442), ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:25.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part

Jay Althouse : A Swingin' Christmas

Review: This festive trio of Christmas favorites is packed with memorable melodies and jazzy harmonies. 4 1/2 minutes of holiday cheer that your audience will enjoy!

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   TTBB

Kirby Shaw : Beboppin' Santa Claus

Review: Who's that up there in the sky, singin' and swingin' as he flies by? Why it's Beboppin' Santa Claus, of course! This jazz original is perfect for show and jazz groups and makes a great opener for your holiday programs. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm section parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:15.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   SATB,   SAB

Kirby Shaw : Boogie Woogie Santa Claus

Review: Jump back, Jack - Santa's into swing dancin' and he's takin' it 8-to-the-bar! Great choreography feature in this Kirby Shaw original! Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00.

Kirby Shaw : Christmas Jazz (Collection)

Review: Here's a handy, jazzy collection that's great for both concerts and caroling! Set in an easy, swingy style, these tunes will be a big hit with your audiences. Includes: Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak (R), ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:30.

Kirby Shaw : Cool Yule

Review: Recorded by Louis Armstrong, this is one of those hard-to-find swingin' Christmas tunes arranged for vocal jazz groups. With hip comic lyrics, this light-hearted tune will definitely add the right kind of spirit to the season!Available separately: : SATB, SAB, SSA, 2-Part, Instrumental Pak (parts for Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 1:55.

Sheet Music Available: SSA,   SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   

As Performed by: Louis Armstrong

Kirby Shaw : Swingin' at Santa's Place

Review: Whether you choose the holiday lyrics or the secular lyrics, this Kirby Shaw original is your direct ticket to swingland any time of year! Great for show/jazz choirs and not difficult....and the CD is hot! Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, IPAKC, and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   Combo Parts

Kirby Shaw : You're All I Want for Christmas

Review: Create a special concert moment with this tender holiday standard in a jazz-flavored ballad setting that is certain to put everyone in the Christmas spirit! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:45.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB

As Performed by: Bing Crosby

Mac Huff : I Love the Winter Weather

Review: Two standards originally paired by the great Tony Bennett make a sweet and charming winter/holiday showcase for all types of choirs! Includes I Love the Winter Weather, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   

Mac Huff : Swing into Christmas

Review: Three Christmas favorites combine in a 3-minute mini-medley that will dress up your holiday concerts with some jazz style! Great for jazz, pop or concert choirs of all levels, it includes: Getting in the Mood for Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Silver Bells. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, syn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   SATB,   SAB,   

Paris Rutherford : The Christmas Waltz

Review: Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside, painted candy canes on the tree. You'll love the tasty jazz waltz feel of this setting that comes alive with the overflowing love of the season! Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (p, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

Paul Langford : Feliz Navidad

Review: Add some spice to your holiday concert this year! Driving with Latin/pop energy and a touch of jazz harmonies throughout, this new arrangement is alive and kicking with the instrumental parts or accompaniment CD. Famous for generations and covered by a host of top performers, now's your chance to also create a hit for your holiday performance.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   ,   SAB,   SATB,   2-Part

As Performed by: Jose Feliciano

Peer Astrom : Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Review: In a tribute to the TV Christmas specials of the 1950s & 1960s, the cast of Glee performed this swinging treatment of the classic seasonal favorite that will get your holidays off to a grand start! A fantastic choice for choirs of all ages! Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:40.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   2-Part

As Performed by: Glee Cast

Russell L. Robinson : Jazzy Saint Nick

Review: Who knew Jolly Old St. Nick was a jazzy cat? Swingin' rhythms, scat syllables, and "instrumental" new lyrics abound in this hip partner song arranged by Russell Robinson. Equally accessible and educational for 2- and 3-part choirs.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   3-Part

Ruth Morris Gray : Christmas Shopping Blues

Review: This jazzy number is perfect for your women as a novelty piece. Strong thee-part harmony, sassy vocal slides, and an optional trumpet set the mood for Christmas shopping and all the craziness of the gift-giving season. Available separately: SSA, Trumpet; StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:53.

Sheet Music Available: SSA,   SSA

Steve Zegree : A Charlie Brown Christmas (Medley)

Review: Return to the simple joys of the Christmas season with Vince Guaraldi's jazz renditions of traditional carols and original music written for this classic holiday favorite. Includes: Christmas Time Is Here, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Linus and Lucy, O Christmas Tree. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Approx. Time: 4:50.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SAB,   SATB

Steve Zegree : The Christmas Waltz

Review: The classic holiday hit by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn is crafted into a lovely arrangement for mixed and women's voices. Optional moments of a cappella singing and simple yet elegant harmonies keep the traditional sound of this holiday favorite while adding freshness for your singers and audience.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SSA,   SATB,   SAB

Tom Anderson : Jingle Jingle Jazz

Review: Even your youngest singers will dig this jazzy Jingle Bells! With lots of unison and easy call-and-response vocal parts, this arrangement will practically sing itself. The jazz piano accompaniment is written so any accompanist can swing or use the ShowTrax CD for extra pizazz!

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part

Victor Schoen : Jingle Bells

Review: Hang on tight - you're in for a wild ride with this sleigh full of cheer! Michael Buble and The Puppini Sisters combined for an Andrews Sisters homage that packs the maximum holiday punch of rhythm and harmony! Spectacular! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts (tpt 1-2, asx, tsx, tbn 1-2, syn, gtr, b, dm) available as a digital download. Duration: ca. 2:35.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA

As Performed by: Puppini Sisters

Deke Sharon : A Cappella Jazzpop Holiday

Review: Feel like Rockin' around Christmastime? Then check out this fun collection of five holiday favorites. Voicings vary slightly.

Songlist: Holly Jolly Christmas, Joy to the World, Little Saint Nick, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Evelyn Larter : Christmas Glee: Five Little Jazz Carols

Review: This delightful collection includes five jazz-inspired settings of carols for choir and piano. Three of the settings also include optional instrumental parts for flute or violin. Each accessible, well-written piece is a joy to sing as well as to hear.

Songlist: Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Silent Night, Unto Us Is Born a Son

Frank Sinatra : Christmas Collection

Review: 14 super Christmas hits associated with the legendary crooner. Includes: Christmas Memories - The Christmas Song - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I'll Be Home for Christmas - I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - White Christmas - and more!

Songlist: The Lord's Prayer, An Old Fashioned Christmas, Christmas Mem'ries, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, The Christmas Song, We Wish You The Merriest, Whatever Happened To Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, I'll Be Home For Christmas, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, Mistletoe And Holly, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, White Christmas

Style: Standards

Jerry Rubino (editor) : A Merry Little Christmas

Review: This is the perfect choral anthology for all mixed choirs who are sure that Santa Claus is coming to town! This collection boasts twelve dazzling arrangements of the top Christmas classics by some of America's best jazz and vocal arrangers. There's the holiday sentiment, Broadway verve, cool wit in all twelve exciting and engaging arrangements. In addition, each arranger has written practical performance notes, which offer advice to both conductor and singer on how to make music of this style come to life. Christmas just got spicier, so get ready to liven up your holiday concert and leave audiences (and singers) asking for more! Jerry Rubino is a noted composer and arranger. He served as assistant conductor, arranger and pianist for the Dale Warland Singers.

Songlist: Blue Christmas, A Christmas Love Song, Feliz Navidad, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, We need a little Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, What are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Winter Wonderland

Jonathan Rathbone : Merry Christmas Everybody!

Review: This is a fantastic collection of five popular Christmas classics. It offers variety for seasonal programs allowing choirs to explore less traditional music for the festive period.

Songlist: Merry Christmas Everybody, I Believe in Father Christmas, Walking in the Air, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Saviour's Day

Kirby Shaw : An A Cappella Christmas

Review: Celebrate the season with these tasty vocal jazz settings of your holiday favorites.

Songlist: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Silver Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with Frosty the Snow Man), The Christmas Song

Will Todd : Two Extra Jazz Carols

Review: Following Three Jazz Carols and Three More Jazz Carols is an additional pair of innovative jazz arrangements of carols originally created in 2012 for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields, London by Will Todd. Todd's iconic rich harmonies and toe-tapping rhythm serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material, which is written for SATB voices and piano, with scope for optional congregational singing. They can be performed using the supplied piano part or embellished using the supplied chord symbols. Double bass may also be used in addition to piano, again following the supplied chord symbols, and parts for optional jazz ensemble (brass quintet and jazz trio) accompaniment are available for download.

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

Bill Readdy : While Shepherds Rocked (Jazz-It)

Review: Six jazzy carols for vocal ensemble with easy piano accompaniment, all with various arrangements from one to four parts. Based on well-known Christmas carols, there are 6 contrasting styles from ballad to jazz/rock. Fun and funky!

Songlist: Unto Us, While Shepherds Rocked, Not Very Silent Night, Maracas at the Manger, Downtown Bethlehem, Hark!

Various : Christmas Standards

Review: The Singer's Jazz Anthology is an exciting series that provides aspiring jazz vocalists and pianists with staples of the jazz repertoire. The singer's portion, matching the original sheet music, is paired with fresh, unique accompaniments arranged in an authentic jazz style and designed to enable the singer to sound like they're being backed by an accomplished jazz pianist. The accompaniments can be performed as written but include chord labels for pianists who are comfortable playing their own chord voicings. The included audio - recordings of the printed accompaniments, performed by the series arranger, Brent Edstrom - can be used by the vocalist in rehearsal or in performance. Songs include: All I Want for Christmas Is You - Blue Christmas - Christmas Time Is Here - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - Mary, Did You Know? - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Santa Baby - White Christmas - and more.

Songlist: Mary, Did You Know?, All I Want For Christmas Is You, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, Blue Christmas, Christmas Time Is Here, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire), Sleigh Ride, Frosty The Snow Man, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays, I'll Be Home For Christmas, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, A Marshmallow World, Merry Christmas, Darling, Mistletoe And Holly, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Baby, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, Silver Bells, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland

Paul Langford : That's What I Want For Christmas

Review: This jazzy Christmas standard has been recorded by such artists as Ella Fitzerald, Nancy Wilson, and SheDaisy, just to name a few! With a gentle swing feel, romantic lyrics, and rich, accessible vocal harmonies, choirs of all kinds will love performing this arrangement. It's especially nice for the ladies!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA

As Performed by: Ella Fitzerald

Ed Lojeski : Christmas Time Is Here

Review: The tender ballad from A Charlie Brown Christmas is a perfect jazz-flavored choice for younger choirs. Well-crafted vocal lines and a tasty piano accompaniment assure success. Discovery Level 2. VoiceTrax CD includes a full performance of the primary voicing, accompaniment only and part-predominant tracks for each voice part of each voicing.

Songlist: Christmas Time Is Here

Sheet Music Available: SAB,   2-Part

Roger Emerson : Swingle Bells!

Review: Younger and developing groups will build important vocal jazz skills in this straight-ahead swing arrangement of Jingle Bells. Good voice-leading, well-voiced chords and a supportive and authentic accompaniment will make it right in the pocket for a successful experience! VoiceTrax CD includes a full performance of the primary voicing, accompaniment only and part-predominant tracks for each voice part of each voicing.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SAB,   2-Part,   SAB