A Merry Christmas! cover

A Merry Christmas!

Stan Kenton · 1961

40 min · 13 tracks · jazz · swing · progressive jazz

Orchestral arrangements blend with rich jazz textures to create a festive yet sophisticated holiday sound.

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 want

  • prefer modern, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant musical gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1961, Stan Kenton was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in orchestral jazz. 'A Merry Christmas!' followed his successful album 'Adventures in Jazz' (1959), showcasing his ability to reinterpret traditional holiday music through a progressive jazz lens, further establishing his innovative style.
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