A Merry Christmas!
Stan Kenton · 1961
40 min · 13 tracks · jazz
Orchestral jazz arrangements breathe new life into traditional Christmas carols, blending swing and sophistication with a festive spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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O Holy Night — Kenton's arrangement transforms this classic hymn into a lush, expansive piece that highlights the rich textures of his orchestra while maintaining the song's reverent tone.
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Christmas Medley: Joy to the World / Away in a Manger / The First Noel / We Wish You a Merry Christmas / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Silent Night — This medley showcases Kenton's skill in seamlessly weaving together multiple carols into an engaging and dynamic performance that captures the essence of Christmas celebration.
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What Is Santa Claus? — This playful track stands out for its lighthearted lyrics and upbeat arrangement, reflecting Kenton's ability to blend humor with serious musicality, making it a unique addition to holiday playlists.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalKenton's orchestral jazz reimagines holiday classics, balancing sophistication with festive spirit.
What we noticed
- The album features orchestral arrangements that reinterpret traditional Christmas carols with a jazz swing, creating a festive yet sophisticated atmosphere.
- Each track maintains a consistent tempo and dynamic range, allowing for smooth transitions between the pieces without abrupt changes in energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- festive orchestral holiday vibes
- for seasonal gatherings
- rich textures for cozy nights
- wave-like pacing invites reflection
- joyful arrangements for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer modern, upbeat tracks
- seek instant musical gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Merry Christmas!' was released in 1961, Stan Kenton had already established himself as a leading figure in orchestral jazz, following the success of his groundbreaking album 'City of Glass' in 1951. This holiday album represented a departure from his usual repertoire, showcasing his ability to reinterpret familiar melodies within his innovative jazz framework during a period when he was experimenting with large ensemble sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Buddy Rich· Maynard Ferguson· Bill Holman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 O Tannenbaum 1:55
- 2 The Holly and the Ivy 1:50
- 3 We Three Kings of Orient Are 2:13
- 4 Good King Wenceslas 1:43
- 5 The Twelve Days of Christmas 4:04
- 6 Once in Royal David's City 2:02
- 7 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 1:43
- 8 O Come, All Ye Faithful 3:14
- 9 Angels, We Have Heard on High 2:09
- 10 O Holy Night 2:07
- 11 Christmas Medley: Joy to the World / Away in a Manger / The First Noel / We Wish You a Merry Christmas / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Silent Night 8:21
- 12 What Is Santa Claus? 2:29
- 13 Christmas for Moderns: The First Noel / White Christmas / O Come All Ye Faithful / The Christmas Song / Silent Night / Jingle Bells 7:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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