It'd be hard to imagine a happier wish than the one this jazz vocal legend wishes her listeners on this urbane-yet-homey collection of holiday favorites. The First Lady of Song recorded these tunes in 1960, at the peak of ... more »her interpretive powers. As such, she puts her singular stamp on everything from a sultry vamp like "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" to the sweet and cozy "The Christmas Song." Even potentially shopworn standards like "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" sound fresher when they're coming from Ella Fitzgerald. --David Sprague« less
It'd be hard to imagine a happier wish than the one this jazz vocal legend wishes her listeners on this urbane-yet-homey collection of holiday favorites. The First Lady of Song recorded these tunes in 1960, at the peak of her interpretive powers. As such, she puts her singular stamp on everything from a sultry vamp like "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" to the sweet and cozy "The Christmas Song." Even potentially shopworn standards like "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" sound fresher when they're coming from Ella Fitzgerald. --David Sprague
Dan B. from EAST BERNE, NY Reviewed on 1/15/2010...
Fun disc. I found it fun & interesting that it has no religious music in it.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Get Ready to Swing Through the Holidays
D. Davis | Southern CA | 10/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There truly is no better Christmas album than this 1960 recording. It puts me in the mood for Christmas even in July (and I do listen to it then). Ella has never sounded better, and this is without a doubt the swingingest Christmas album ever. The first two numbers, "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," set the tone for an upbeat and jazzy Christmas season. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" is also ample. But when one hears "Sleigh Ride" I defy anyone still to be a grinch! Throw this CD--along with "An Oscar Peterson Christmas" and the Nat King Cole Christmas album--into the player, and you're all set for the holidays."
Swinging Yuletide Cheer
Darren | Jersey Shore, NJ USA | 12/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is no solemn religious Christmas music. This is Ella at her Christmas finest in a festively jazzy collection of swinging and be-boppin' Christmas classics including, Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Sleigh Ride and Let It Snow. This is a great CD to acquaint young ones to Ella Fitzgerald and to the swing and big band sounds of jazz. Don't be surprised if they start singing along!She slows it down, but just a bit, on a few sultry selections including Good Morning Blues, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas and The Christmas Song. A great selection of classic and festive Christmas songs, Ella's articulate lyrics and her sultry swinging vocals make this CD a great addition to any Holiday music collection."
Excellent CD!
D. Davis | 12/15/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you want a smooth, swinging ride into the holiday season, check out this CD. The first track,"Jingle Bells," is my favorite. Ella keeps her voice strong, fluid and simple. The jazz big band sound supports the lyrics and joins her in her trip. I own several Christmas CD's, and this one is the best."
One of the Best Holiday CDs Ever
Westley | Stuck in my head | 12/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most years I kick myself because I forget to get out my Christmas CDs and listen to them. This year I remembered and ended up overdosing on Xmas music. Just when I thought I couldn't stand another Xmas song, I put on this CD again. It's such a great and fresh CD that I can listen to it over and over again, even after I'm burned out on Xmas music. It just has such a terrific, swinging, urbane sound. When she sings, "Hang your head down Rudy," in "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," I get tingles. It's the only Ella CD I have, but it makes me want to get more of her music. Highly recommended for people looking for jazzy Holiday music."
The ONE holiday cd you MUST get!
andyfberry | Charlotte, NC USA | 08/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you enjoy wrapping up in a warm blanket on a cold Winter's day and listening to nostalgic holiday favorites, then this cd should definitly be next on your list of "must-have" holiday cds! The definitive Torch singer has created an instant classic with these classic holiday favorites with a jazzy flare, and it is a MUST for all Christmas music fans! So grab a blanket, curl up in front of your Christmas tree, and enjoy the essence of Ms. Fitzgerald!"