A Short Selection Of Holiday Themed Music That Doesn’t Suck

I think the title pretty much sums it up.

Let’s first go with something classy, Duke Ellington. who in 1960 recorded a jazz interpretation of “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky. The video below is of the Overture, opening with a descending walking bassline and drums before the horn enter. So Cool.

Duke Ellingon – Nutcracker Suite, Overture

This reminds so much of the eighties. This was a holiday staple on WLIR, a very hip Long Island, NY radio station that played progressive New Wave music before it became mainstream.

The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping

This is my wife’s favorite holiday song therefore it must be included.

RUN-DMC – Christmas In Hollis

Vulfpeck, if you don’t know are a band originally from Michigan that models itself after classic studio musician bands like Motown’s Funk Brothers, L.A.’s Wrecking Crew, and the studio musicians of Muscle Shoals.They strike a balance between virtuosity and goofiness.

VULFPECK – Christmas in L.A.

Let’s end with the sublime: Ms. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald – Christmas Songs (FULL ALBUM)