Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 272 - Introducing Some Christmas Classics That Leaves the Heart Feeling Warm and Fuzzy: Part 2

This Season’s Must-Have! Christmas Songs Part 2

Many holidays in Japan have Western origins—Valentine’s Day, White Day, Halloween… Recently, department stores and shopping centers have been all decked out for Halloween. Halloween events in Japan, however, did not reach the same level of excitement as last year, and combined with rainy weather, they ended on a somewhat low note. Once Halloween is over, the next major holiday of Western origin is Christmas.

The lifespan of Christmas songs playing in the streets is surprisingly short. There are only 24 days from the beginning of December until Christmas Day. As a strategy to get customers in the holiday mood, Christmas songs usually start playing in public spaces after mid-November. And just like that, the holiday season is among us.

Not long ago, you could get by in just a T-shirt, but now it’s sweaters, scarves, down jackets… In Japan, where the sense of seasons has become somewhat diluted, Christmas songs have become important for recognizing the season. Christmas songs are, in a sense, standard songs we’ve been listening to since childhood. With the theme of how these ingrained standards take new forms, I’ll feature both timeless albums with ultra-predictable, classic arrangements and Christmas songs with unexpected arrangements that make you think, “Whoa! I didn’t see that coming!” Stay tuned!

■ Recommended Album: Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas Deluxe Edition (1960)

This masterpiece Christmas album is said to be the most successful on Verve Records! It is the deluxe version of the classic Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, released in 1960. Even after 65 years since its release, it has astonishingly retained its brilliance. While countless Christmas albums have been released, the enduring success of this one is thanks to Ella Fitzgerald’s singing. Another major factor is the fusion of Christmas songs with jazz, topped off by Ella’s vocals. The skillful performances and arrangements are also remarkable. The arranger is Frank De Vol, who was active mainly in Los Angeles during the 1940s and 1950s. Frank De Vol worked with many singers, including Nat King Cole, Perry Como, and Ella Fitzgerald, specializing in swing jazz–based arrangements. On this album, his swing jazz orchestration provides the backbone, while also drawing out the accessible pop qualities of the Christmas songs. Of course, Ella Fitzgerald’s vocals take center stage, but the instrumental solos casually interspersed throughout her singing really added flair to the music. At its core, the album carries the spirit of jazz.

Recommended Track: “Jingle Bells”

This is the quintessential Christmas song! The album opens with an incredibly fast tempo that’s so fast, it almost feels like double speed. Drums, upright bass, and acoustic piano chords in the upper register form the backing, with the piano taking on the role of the iconic Christmas bells. When Ella Fitzgerald’s swinging vocals enter, the entire world instantly becomes filled with Christmas spirit. The ensemble is Frank De Vol and his orchestra, providing a minimal backing that never overshadows the vocals. Instead of brass instruments like trumpets carrying the backing, the chorus handles it. It’s a clever arrangement. Add to that the “Jingle Bells～♪” chorus… this is Christmas at its finest! In the latter part, Ella’s playful melodic improvisation blends perfectly with the swinging orchestra, creating an irresistible effect.

Recommended Track: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

The backing by the orchestra has a whimsical feel, complemented by Ella’s familiar singing over a 4-beat swing. A short acoustic piano solo before the final chorus is stylish, interacting with Ella’s vocals. Later, the arrangement cleverly unites the vocals and piano in unison—a highlight of the track.

Recommended Track: “Frosty the Snowman”

This track begins unconventionally with a chorus and bell intro, showcasing the arranger Frank De Vol’s signature style. Ella’s vocals then begin, engaging in a call-and-response with the chorus. The chorus also takes on parts normally played by brass instruments, fully displaying Frank De Vol’s unique arranging world.

Recommended Track: “Frosty the Snowman (Alternate Take)”

The album also includes alternate takes of Christmas songs. Ella Fitzgerald’s vocals are different from the original take, with the low-end cut and the high register emphasized, giving it a childlike singing quality. These bonus-track–style experiments reflect the creators’ willingness to try out various ideas.

■ Recommended Album: Various Artists - A GRP Christmas Collection (1991)

In 1991, GRP Records, then highly respected in the jazz and fusion categories, released this eagerly awaited Christmas album featuring various artists. The assembled musicians include David Benoit, Tom Scott, Chick Corea, Diane Schuur, Dave Valentin, Gary Burton, Special EFX, and Lee Ritenour—a collection of immensely talented artists. Listening to the Christmas songs produced by these musicians, it becomes clear that Christmas songs are merely raw material. In this sense, the album reconstructs well-known Christmas standards from an entirely new perspective. Yet, the spirit of Christmas remains alive in the music, which is a testament to the pride and dedication of the producers and musicians involved.

Recommended Track: “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town / Dave Valentin”

The track begins with an acoustic piano intro by Bill O’Connell, followed by Dave Valentin’s flute playing the familiar melody of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Up to this point, it sounds like an ordinary Christmas song. From the second chorus, the piano switches to a salsa-style montuno backing, and before you know it, the ensemble has fully transformed into a salsa groove. At the start of the third chorus, there’s a break, leaving the piano alone with a montuno, immersing the piece entirely in salsa. Then Dave Valentin launches into an ad-lib solo that’s a fearlessly bold arrangement. Preconceptions like “Christmas → snow” are completely overturned, and that audacity is delightful. It makes you think, “Yes, this kind of Christmas song is perfectly fine!” Considering that it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, a salsa Christmas makes perfect sense. The unstoppable energy of the band ensemble and flute drives the track forward, with the arrangement rooted in Latin American music techniques such as salsa, montuno, and clave.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured This Time

• Artists: Frank De Vol, Dave Valentin, Bill O’Connell, and others
• Albums: Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas Deluxe Edition, A GRP Christmas Collection
• Recommended Tracks: “Jingle Bells”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Frosty the Snowman (Alternate Take)”, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”

⇒ List of synthesizers

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