Continuum – A Journey Through Jazz
Episode 67: ‘Christmas Moods’
You may already be groaning at the title of this episode – but fear not! This is a Christmas episode for those that don’t really care for Christmas music – or jazz, for that matter.
I wanted to do something different this season . . . feature a style of music from the jazz continuum that I have never featured before in any of my other 66 episodes of Continuum.
We all know a Christmas song when we hear it – and there are countless versions of each – but there is a rather intangible mood & spirit of the season that is rarely captured in the standard songs. There is a a feeling of light & warmth, a sense of peace & unity, a calm spiritual essence and beauty that surpasses all the jingling of bells and decking of halls.
So I sought out a selection of songs that blend jazz, classical, Celtic, folk, renaissance and electronica. While they may not have anything specifically to do with Christmas or the Holiday season – they all capture a particular essence that’s hard to put your finger on.
The songs I have assembled feature such artists as Vince Guaraldi, Sean Harkness, Ralph Towner, Lynne Arriale, Metamora, Steve Morse & Manuel Barruecoo, George Winston, Barbara Higbie, Liz Story, Steve Erquiaga, Will Ackerman, Billy Childs, Tim Story & Mannheim Steamroller.
Some may classify these songs as “new age”, while others brand it “new classical”, or maybe American folk, electronica or acoustic jazz. Call it what you will – as far as I’m concerned they are all just threads that make up part the brilliant tapestry of the Jazz Continuum.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please send them to Scott@SoulandJazz.com. I would also love to connect with you via Facebook & Twitter . . . just look for the Jazz Evangelist.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
J. Scott Fugate, ‘The Jazz Evangelist’
Continuum – A Journey Through Jazz
Episode 67: ‘Christmas Moods’
Artist – Track – Album – Year
Vince Guaraldi Skating A Charlie Brown Christmas 1965
Vince Guaraldi Linus & Lucy (background) A Charlie Brown Christmas 1965
Sean Harkness Christmas Time Is Here
A Windham Hill Christmas: I’ll Be Home For Christmas 2004
Ralph Towner Blue Sun Blue Sun 1982
Lynne Arriale Trio Home Come Together 2004
Metamora This Rush Of Wings The Essential Winter’s Solstice 2005
Steve Morse & Manuel Barruecoo Carol Of The Bells
Windham Hill Holiday Guitar Collection 1996
George Winston The Snowman’s Music Box Dance Forest 1994
Barbara Higbie Patapan A Windham Hill Christmas II 2003
Liz Story Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
A Windham Hill Christmas: I’ll Be Home For Christmas 2004
Steve Erquiaga Greensleeves Windham Hill Holiday Guitar Collection 2001
Will Ackerman Climbing In Geometry Pure Will Ackerman 1986
Billy Childs Christmas Hymn A Winter’s Solstice, Vol 4 1993
George Winston Peace December 1982
Tim Story Asleep The Snow Came Flying A Winter’s Solstice, Vol 4 1993
Mannheim Steamroller Stille Nacht Christmas 1984
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