“THE CHRISTMAS SONG (CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE)” – 21 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

A former colleague used to say that there was no reason for anyone else to perform “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole’s version was so perfect that other musicians would be foolish to try.

As I’ve gotten more into music composition and arrangement, I realize why this thought isn’t quite right. For one thing, if the song is good, you might want it to be part of your songbook.

For another, you might come up with something that no one has ever heard before.

Even Cole covered the song – three times. He first recorded it in 1946 – without the lush string arrangement that’s a hallmark of the recording. The version you likely listen to is the fourth one, made in 1961.

The song’s co-composer, Mel Tormé. covered it as well – he and his friend Bob Wells wrote it in July 1945 as a cooling thought on a hot Los Angeles day, but he gave it to Cole. It was about a decade later that Tormé thought to do it himself.

The version I’ve linked to is by Jacob Collier, born nearly 50 years after the song was written. I saw him in person this year and was amazed by his love of harmony. Hope you can enjoy this as much as any of the other umpteen versions of this wonderful song.