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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 58
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 58 |
Hello, I have a few Christmas performances I will be playing. Solo piano for background music.
What are the best Christmas songs to play?
I play jazz and will spice it up with some improvising.
The Charlie Brown Christmas album has some great tunes, I'll take some from there.
Any ideas would be helpful.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
1000 Post Club Member
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1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477 |
Chestnuts Roasting (Christmas Song)
Silent Night
Oh Tannenbaum (Oh Christmas tree)
What Child is this
Winter Wonderland
for a start. Anything older xmas tune usually has some pretty cool changes and can be very interesting.
Even Rudolph, Frosty, Jolly Old St Nick, can be great to improvise on.
Recordings of my recent solo piano and piano/keyboard trio jazz standards.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 272
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Full Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 272 |
I have a friend that does exactly that with his jazz trio check them out it'll give u some ideas http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/triowest
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 112
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Full Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 112 |
I like certain songs from the Mainheim Steamroller books. finding good jazz arrangements is not easy...once you find one you like, don't loose it!
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
1000 Post Club Member
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1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477 |
Hey, this is cool stuff! It's nice to hear some hip playing on Oh Tannenbaum, and at that tempo too! You've got some cool friends, Dror.
Recordings of my recent solo piano and piano/keyboard trio jazz standards.
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 219
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Full Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 219 |
This is the book I bring out to all my solo piano gigs around Christmas. http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Chri..._2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290773922&sr=8-2I do have to say though I'm a huge fan of "The Christmas Song" written by Mel Torme. Some of the coolest chords of any Christmas tune! We got inspired late night a few days ago. There's are 2 notes in there I wish didn't happen but not bad for spur of the moment at 3:30am  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwEuZb0L15cHappy Holidays everybody!!
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 836
500 Post Club Member
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500 Post Club Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 836 |
Have Yourself a Merry I’ll be Home for Christmas Christmas Song Blue Christmas Winter Wonderland Let it Snow Sleigh Ride Rudolph Winter Wonderland Also, this album has some ideas: http://www.rhapsody.com/eddie-higgins/christmas-songs--sunnyside
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 306
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Full Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 306 |
I like this version of The Christmas Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPPFwZxcOcY. I think the music book is still available. If you like this one and it's not available, PM me.
J.D.
Hailun 178
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 26
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 26 |
Here is my favourite that I have come across: "Carol of the Bells" by George Winston Here is a link to the song on my site: http://easyonears.weebly.com/george-winston.html (First video). I also added the sheet music just incase you wanted to look at it. It is a phenomenal piece, although it seems quite advanced and has more of a classical touch than jazz. Either way, awesome song, and very christmassy! Enjoy
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 252
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 252 |
What a beautiful arrangement! I'm so glad you posted it. Thanks!
Kathy
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