The weather is changing, leaves are falling, and it’s time to start listening to all the wonderful music the holiday season offers! Now, I freely admit that I start listening to Christmas music early; I direct a community choir that performs during the holidays, so we start rehearsing in August music that I select in May. I also know that a lot of people don’t believe in listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, and although I disagree, I can respect your discipline! In any case, whenever you decide the time is right, I want to give you my top ten recommendations for Christmas albums that I feel are worth listening to. Here they are in no particular order:
Christmas, by brent and celeste
Brent and Celeste are old college friends of ours. They have a wonderful, folksy style and their Christmas album from 1999 contains some more obscure carols and songs that absolutely deserve more play time. The album is available here: Christmas by Brent & Celeste on Amazon Music – Amazon.com
a Christmas together: john denver and the muppets
This album creates a sense of nostalgia for me. I grew up with both John Denver and the wonderful Jim Henson muppets, and the combination is lighthearted as well as tender. There are quotes from this album that Darryl and I still say to each other; listen particularly for Miss Piggy, voiced by the ultra-talented Frank Oz. I know a Christmas album by the Muppets seems silly, but you really must give this one a chance. Get it here: Amazon.com : john denver and the muppets christmas
behold: a christmas collection by Lauren daigle
If you’re not familiar with Lauren Daigle, you need to check out her music. She has a Louisiana blues style and a deep rich voice that will captivate you. This album includes familiar carols both sacred and secular, as well as an original, “Light of the World”, which is destined to become a new classic. Get it here: Amazon.com : lauren daigle christmas
Christmas, by lance gibbon
Another old college friend, Lance is a master at electronic music. This album consists of wonderful all-instrumental arrangements of traditional carols, presented in new ways. Don’t be scared by the electronic nature of this album; I guarantee even the staunchest traditionalist will enjoy this! Get it here: Christmas | Lance Gibbon (bandcamp.com)
Joe pass: six string santa
The inestimable jazz guitarist Joe Pass lends his talented fingers to Christmas music in jazz-inspired guitar arrangements that will have your toes tapping. I love the melodies and musical quotes and jokes he throws in; listen carefully for other well-known melodies within the traditional tunes. Don’t miss this one: Amazon.com : joe pass six string santa
phil keaggy with the london festival orchestra: majesty and wonder
Another instrumental album from a premier guitarist. Keaggy’s playing combined with the orchestra’s backing creates a soaring, emotional tribute to some of the season’s most iconic music. A perfect album to put on for sitting by the fire with a cup of cocoa, this one is not to be missed. Get it here: Amazon.com : phil keaggy majesty and wonder
when my heart finds christmas: harry connick jr.
Old enough that it’s still offered on cassette, this album has stood the test of time. Connick’s vocals still resonate, especially on some of the well-known secular tunes; but my favorite songs on this album are the ones I didn’t know before I heard them here, like “I pray on Christmas” and the title track. Being a traditionalist at heart, I don’t love his version of the Ave Maria, but one so-so song does not prevent this album from being in my top ten. Get it here: When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick Jr. on Amazon Music – Amazon.com
larry carlton: christmas at my house
Another guitar guy, but the season just seems to lend itself to this instrument, and Carlton is a talented musician whose (mostly) instrumental album has a relaxing, homey feel to it. It’s an older album but with a timeless appeal. Larry Carlton, Robbie Buchanan, Christopher Cross, Jeff Porcaro, David Pack, Kirk Whalum – Christmas at My House – Amazon.com Music
darryl wall: a simple christmas
No nepotism here, I promise; this is genuinely one of my favorite Christmas albums, recorded by my husband. Beautiful guitar arrangements of favorite, mostly sacred Christmas songs, this album is offered for free, but you are welcome to make a donation for your download, which will go directly toward our ministry in Sierra Leone, Africa. Look for it here: A Simple Christmas | Darryl Wall (bandcamp.com)
vince guaraldi trio: a charlie brown christmas
Probably the most iconic and well-known pick on this list, this album has really stood the test of time. Full of nostalgia and fun tunes, I think this is the one album everyone should have in their playlist, whether for Christmas or for any other time of year. Get it here: Amazon.com : vince guaraldi charlie brown christmas
So there you have it: my top ten Christmas albums to add to your collection this year. Do you have any favorites I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new music to add to my personal playlist!
Blessings, Mindy