Who says you have to wait until it’s snowy and cold in December to “jingle all the way”? Why not have some fun and celebrate Christmas now while the sun is a-blazing? Barbeques and pool parties are how the Australians usually celebrate the Yuletide, so why shouldn’t we give Christmas in the summer a try in the northern hemisphere too!? Grab a cold beverage or an ice cream sundae with red and green sprinkles and let these jazz tunes inspire your festivities.
Teddy Horangic, Frank Lacy & others – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Who needs Mariah Carey when you have this lovely new rendition of one of the most beloved Christmas songs from Night is Alive? Whenever I hear this song start coming on the radio, it always puts me into the jolliest spirit! Enjoy Frank Lacy’s baritone and, like he sings, let your heart be light as you bask in the sun or float in the pool.
John Di Martino, Willie Jones III & others – Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be
The titular song of the Night is Alive album, this groovy tune adds some spice to the typical holiday music playlist, which is perfect for a Christmas in July celebration! Christmas sure ain’t like it used to be, it’s sweaty and slick and daylight is much longer now, so why not stay up late twistin’ and jivin’ to this stellar saxophone solo?
Bill Cunliffe Trio – Linus and Lucy
This playful song is perfect for a summer holiday party! From the Night is Alive album Christmas in the Dog House, this upbeat tune captures the childlike wonder of the holiday season. It’ll bring back memories of watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, and, perhaps, eating one too many gingerbread cookies…don’t forget to leave some for Santa!
Bill Cunliffe – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Christmas in July is the time for the fun and fast-paced tunes, like this one from Night is Alive’s album That Time of Year. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have seen the beloved musical, The Nutcracker? If so, you’ll recognize this lovely, whimsical song, which really captures the magical spirit of the Yuletide season. Watch out, the sugar plum fairy might even leave some sparkly fairy dust on your pillow!
Teddy Horangic, Frank Lacy & others – O Holy Night
To round out this playlist, we’d like to finish with a classic from This Christmas With Night is Alive that you can all sing along to! By this point, you’ve probably had a few spirited drinks and are hopefully feeling quite jolly, so gather round, maybe arm-in-arm, and sing together! Maybe you can even make it into a carol for the neighbors?
Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
