Day 16: Christmas Cookin- Jimmy Smith
Note: This post is part of a series where I listen to an album each day in December. Past posts can be found on my substack. All hyperlinked songs go to Spotify links, Youtube links can be found at the end of the post.
I pride myself on my Christmas playlists. They go beyond the repetitive Christmas songs you hear all day on the radio or while stepping foot into a store during the last two months of the calendar year. Albums like Jimmy Smith’s Christmas Cookin, which was originally released as Christmas ‘64, help breakup the boring Christmas listens. The album features Smith playing organ with a trio and orchestra.
In regards to jazz Christmas albums, I find this one the most intriguing and cool. From the first track, “God Rest Ye’ Marry Gentlemen,” it’s clear the audience is in for a treat with the collection of sophisticated Christmas music. The arrangments are a huge factor in the excitement of this album, of course coupled with Smith himself and his improvisational skill. I wouldn’t say this is at the top of jazz Christmas albums, but it does have a strong groove and interesting arrangments that keep me coming back year after year.
A few of the other tracks recommend
Until Tomrrow,
Emily
Listen to Christmas Cookin on YouTube
A classic and long a part of my Christmas listening.