Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Christmas Playlist

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKpYmhuFc24[/embed]Hey Everyone! I’m only a few hours off of the morning. I almost made it! I’m getting better!Anywho…Let me start by saying if you haven’t heard the album from which the above video comes, you’re missing out. The band is August Burns Red and the album is August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin’ Hill. It’s really good. Very unique I would say. Definitely rivals Transiberian Orchestra.So, let’s talk Christmas music. I’m long over the traditional stuff for the most part. 30 some years later of hearing it, I’m burned out. However, Christmas JAZZ music….oh yeah? Even something like the tune above. Just hearing the old tunes in a new way…I can dig it.So, I’m gonna give you some offerings of some awesome Christmas music I’ve been listening to over the past week. I use Spotify to listen to all of my music, but I’m pretty certain all of my suggestions are available on Itunes, perhaps even on Youtube, and if you enter them into Pandora, you’ll get a kickass Christmas channel.So, my top Christmas albums this year:

Big Band Christmas (1996)The Chris McDonald Orchestra

This is my favorite Christmas album of this year. It's tasty, and consistent with great solos. 2 thumbs up.

A Jazz Musician’s Christmas (2002)The Tom Kubis Big Band

This was my first year hearing this album, and it is wondrous. The highlight of the album is O Holy Night. When you hear it, you'll know why.

 Boogie Woogie Christmas (2004)The Brian Setzer Orchestra

This is exactly what you've come to expect from Brian Setzer. Fresh, hip, and it swings so very hard!!!

What A Night! A Christmas Album (2008)Harry Connick Jr.

This album has the best rendition of Winter Wonderland I've ever heard, as Harry swings out with his daughter Kate.

The Nutcracker Suite (1960)Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn

No explanation needed.

Sleddin’ Hill (2012)August Burns Red

This album is the newest one on my list. It's also the most surprising, considering this is a very tasty bunch of Christmas arrangements from a metalwork band. Take a listen before you judge.

I hope you enjoy some of this music as much as I have. It’ll add a little spice to you Christmas for sure.