I have probably mentioned this somewhere in the blog over the past dozen years or so, but I think jazz and Christmas have made a natural fit. I've got Xmas albums with Frank Sinatra, the Manhattan Transfer and Diana Krall, and they've all got their razzle-dazzle thrills.
A few months ago in September, I was lucky enough to hear Scott's podcast "Holly Jolly X'masu" when he focused on jazz chanteuse Yasuko Agawa（阿川泰子）and her 1990 seasonal album "Come In Christmas". Whenever a mighty swing jazz band gets started on those Xmas songs, call me a happy camper, and such was indeed the case when I heard Agawa put out those dulcet tones with the backing of that orchestra. After listening to the podcast, I searched YouTube for any of those songs, and sure enough, I was able to track down with some ease a couple of my favourites from the album.
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" has always been a favourite when given the jazz treatment and again Agawa doesn't disappoint. I've not been the biggest fan of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" since it's often given the kid-glove treatment but over here, the singer and brass give it that stylish and sophisticated touch that makes one put on the tuxedo and head over to the top of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel for the special Christmas concert.
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