AMG Review of Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Bonus Tracks]

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This is a delightful Christmas jazz reissue featuring Ella Fitzgerald in prime form. On most selections she is backed by Frank DeVol's orchestra. The original dozen selections have been expanded with the addition of three alternate takes plus three selections only out previously on samplers, including "Christmas Island." Fitzgerald clearly had a fun time recording such songs as "Jingle Bells," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," and "Frosty the Snowman," along with a few more serious pieces. These concise performances (all under four minutes) are charming, making this one of the better Christmas jazz sets.