Host Derk Richardson pre-recorded two hours of music as a soundtrack for Christmas Eve. Whether or not you celebrate the holiday–perhaps you’re just grateful for the gradual return of the light following the winter solstice–you might find some fun, some compassion, some solace, and some beauty in this playlist:
IN THE FIRST HOUR:
Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum – Christmas Time’s A-Comin’, Winter’s Grace
Steve Martin & Steep Canyon Rangers – Strangest Christmas Yet (2017)
Jerry Jeff Walker – I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Christmas Gonzo Style
Los Lobos – Christmas and You, Llegó Navidad (2019)
Calexico – Peace of Mind, Seasonal Shift
Count Basie Orchestra – Good Swing Wenceslas
Louis Prima and His New Orleans Gang – What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin’?)
Les Brown and His Band of Renown – The Nutcracker Suite, Christmas Cocktails
Judy Garland – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Aimee Mann – Whatever Happened to Christmas, One More Drifter in the Snow
Phoebe Bridgers – Christmas Song
Chilly Gonzales – The Banister Bough (featuring Feist), A Very Chilly Christmas
John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Simon & Garfunkel – 7 O’clock News: Silent Night
IN THE SECOND HOUR:
Sean Smith – Christmas Eve (Improvisation II) [guitar instrumental], Christmas
John Fahey and Richard Ruskin – Carol of the Bells [guitar duet instrumental]
John Zorn’s Dreamers – Christmas Time Is Here, A Dreamers Christmas
Kitka – Domnulet Si Domn Din Cer, Wintersongs
Mike Marshall – We Three Kings [guitar instrumental], Midnight Clear
Jim Campilongo – It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Almost Christmas
Carla Bley (with Steve Swallow and the Partyka Brass Quintet) – O Holy Night / Jesus Maria, Carla’s Christmas Carols
Barbara Higbie (piano) with Mia Pixley (cello) – Made It Through, Resonance
Kathryn Stott (piano) & Yo-Yo Ma (cello) – Goin’ Home, Songs of Comfort and Hope
John Zorn’s Dreamers – Snowfall, A Dreamers Christmas
Chilly Gonzales – Snow Is Falling in Manhattan (featuring Jarvis Cocker and Feist), A Very Chilly Christmas