NYU Local’s “A Very Jazzy Thanksgiving” Playlist
A warming soundtrack to the holiday.
It’s time for another seasonal mix, curated by yours truly. It’s Thanksgiving week, and the temperatures have properly begun to drop on campus. New York City is donning its most vibrant reds, and students are preparing their travels for the holiday. To me, no other genre feels quite as much like home than jazz. This playlist is like a warm simmer pot sitting on the stove, radio buzzing low, a glass of red wine in the afternoon, a crackling fireplace. If you’re looking for angular free jazz, this may not be for you, but if you want to unwind with some classics, you’re in the right place.
“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” by Frank Sinatra
The snow may not be snowing in New York, but the winds are certainly blowing, and, well, what’s better than listening to Frank Sinatra in this weather? This is one of those jazz standards that is sort of a Christmas song but is vague enough that you can listen to it throughout most of the winter.
“Thanksgiving Theme” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Is it really a holiday if you don’t listen to Vince Guaraldi? Not in my opinion. This may seem like an obvious choice for a Thanksgiving jazz mix, but you really can’t go wrong. Vince Guaraldi’s warm and whimsical soundtracks to the Charlie Brown holiday specials have permeated both my childhood and my mother’s, making them an annual staple in our household.
“Autumn Serenade” by John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
This 1963 collaboration between John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman may genuinely be one of the most romantic jazz albums of all time. Johnny Hartman’s deep and melodic tones combined with Coltrane’s artistry makes for a dizzyingly warm half-hour. Call it non-holiday holiday album.
“Let’s Get Lost” by Chet Baker
Chet Baker Sings is one of the albums I like to put on when I’m feeling cozy. This is one of my favorite standards on that album : it’s joyous and romantic, showcasing the best of Chet’s characteristically soft baritone, and, of course, trumpet skills.
“Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
This is not the last time you will see Ella Fitzgerald on this playlist. She’s just too great to only be featured once. There’s nothing like a weather-themed jazz standard like “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” to lighten up a dreary November moment. As far as I’m concerned, every day with Ella and Louis is a lovely day.
“Since I Fell For You” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
More Vince Guaraldi, except not a seasonal tune. This one is from his 1962 album Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus, featuring covers of songs from the seminal 1959 film Black Orpheus, as well as some original compositions. It was actually Guaraldi’s breakthrough album, due to the success of the B-side song “Cast Your Fate To The Wind.”
“Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” by Ella Fitzgerald
Visiting family for the holidays is sometimes chaotic, sometimes wonderful, often a little in between. I find that saying goodbye is still the hardest part, and this song captures that feeling perfectly. Whether saying goodbye to friends or loved ones, no lyric resonates more than “There’s no love song finer / but how strange the change / from major to minor / ev’ry time we say goodbye.” Courtesy of the great Cole Porter.
“‘Tis Autumn” by Chet Baker
There are many great versions of this standard, most famously perhaps from Nat King Cole. However, I really enjoy this trumpet version from Chet Baker’s 1959 album Chet. It’s a longer instrumental piece that balances out well with all the vocal jazz in this playlist.
“Let’s Fall In Love” by Stan Getz & Gerry Mulligan
One of my favorite things to listen to on the plane as a (slightly) nervous flyer is the 1957 album Getz meets Mulligan in Hi-Fi. It reminds me of being home on a Saturday morning, newspapers and coffee. If you’re traveling this holiday season, I highly recommend it.
“O Tannenbaum” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
I’m going to close with another Vince Guaraldi holiday tune, this time from the 1965 special A Charlie Brown Christmas. Although it’s still just a little early for christmas music, I couldn’t help but add a little festive track to this mix, in anticipation for the season.
Readers, have a safe and joyous week! You can find these songs and some bonus tracks on NYU Local’s Spotify account.
