Songs to Ring in the New Year

With this new COVID variant, your holiday season may not be as lively as you might’ve imagined, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for subpar music. Whether you’re having a small gathering at home to watch the ball drop or braving the crowds at a bar or night club, you’re going to need some glittery, snazzy tunes to ring in the New Year! 

Ella Fitzgerald – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve 

New Year’s isn’t complete without a beautiful ballad from the Queen of Jazz. But did you know that this 1960 song was not intended to be played in December? The songwriter Frank Loesser, who also wrote the music and lyrics for Guys and Dolls, wanted the piece to be about a person who fell madly in love and thus made a rash commitment to meet his or her new beau far into the future. Maybe it’s much too early in the game. Ah, but I thought I’d ask you just the same—What are you doing New Year’s, New Year’s Eve? 

Smokey Hogg – New Year’s Eve Blues

If you’re stuck at home this New Year’s Eve and you don’t have someone to kiss at midnight, it might be comforting to listen to some blues, especially some country blues, which is one of the earliest forms of the genre. This 1948 tune laments a painful love, but ends on a resolute and slightly upbeat note: For twelve months long you kept my heart in pain… I only treat you kind… I’m gonna leave you on New Year. Maybe this is just the song you need to let go of that broken relationship and start fresh in 2022!

And, if, after listening to this song, you’re wondering what exactly the difference between blues and jazz is, don’t worry, we have a blog post all about it! See here. 

B.B. King – Bringing in A Brand New Year

Alright, now that you released those more negative emotions with the blues song from Smokey Hogg, it’s time for something a bit more upbeat! This swinging tune comes from B.B. King’s 39th studio album, titled A Christmas Celebration of Hope, which seems very appropriate for this year. The lyrics are all about embracing the excitement of the New Year, particularly when it comes to flirting with someone new, so grab your dancing shoes and get out there! Gonna be a great big parade… sailin’ down a rainbow, I’ll flirt with lady moon…

Lorca Hart Trio – MoJoe

There’s no better way to finish off the countdown and celebrate the fireworks, kazoos, and confetti than with an exciting drum solo! After you’ve hugged all your loved ones close and wished them a happy new year, turn this tune on to keep the party going and remind everyone that you’ll be keeping your mojo in 2022!

If you’re looking for more jazz tunes to play this New Year’s, check out our many albums, such as Lorca Hart Trio’s Colors of Jazz and WJ3 All-Stars’ Lovers and Love Songs, both of which are available online now, in our store and on all major music platforms. And if you’re interested in booking one of our lovely musicians for your New Year’s party, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.