The perfect Christmas tunes to share the festive spirit on your saxophone ??
As saxophonists, we know the power of our instrument: it’s soulful, warm, and perfect for cozying up a room full of friends and family, especially during the holidays. There’s something magical about pulling out the sax for a few tunes that already have that holiday vibe built right in. Here are some classic holiday songs that already feature saxophone parts, along with a bit of their backstory, so you can wow your audience with a festive mix of nostalgia and saxophone style. ??
Let’s start with “All i want for Christmas is you” by Mariah Carey may be a newer classic, but in recent live performances, Mariah often features a sax solo that adds a new sparkle to the song. You already know this tune’s a huge crowd favorite, so imagine how much more they’ll love it with a saxophone! Feel free to make it your own with a few improvisations, capturing that festive vibe that everyone loves so much about Mariah’s holiday hit.
Next up, we have “Santa Claus is coming to town” by Bruce Springsteen. Bruce’s version of this classic holiday tune, recorded live in 1975, captures the spirit of his electric stage performances, with Clarence Clemons’ saxophone taking center stage. At the time, Springsteen and the E Street Band were making headlines with their blend of rock, soul, and R&B, and this song became a fan favorite for its mix of rock energy and holiday cheer. The saxophone here is big, brassy, and bursting with life, a perfect match for the enthusiastic, slightly raucous vibe that defines Springsteen’s early work.
Then we’ve got “What Christmas means to me” by Stevie Wonder, a 1967 classic that just oozes Motown magic. This song is all about holiday joy—the excitement of decorations, lights, and everything that comes with it. Stevie’s voice brings the charm, and the horn section, including that lively sax, gives it a rhythmic bounce that’s just fun to play. If you’re picking up this tune on the sax, lean into the groove and go for a bright, open sound that keeps the rhythm moving. This one’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, perfect for spreading some cheer and maybe even getting people up on their feet.
“Run Rudolph run” by Chuck Berry is next up, bringing a bit of rock-and-roll flair to the holidays. This 1958 tune has a bluesy, fast-paced beat, and even though it’s mainly guitar-driven, the saxophone and brass section give it an extra layer of fun. Playing this song is all about nailing that rock-and-roll edge, so go for a bright tone and punchy phrasing. Imagine you’re back in the ‘50s, playing in a smoky club packed with people ready to dance—this is your chance to bring some swagger to your holiday set.
For jazz fans, Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh ride” is a pure big-band delight. Released in 1960, her version transforms the classic tune into a swinging jazz standard with syncopated rhythms and brass harmonies that feel like a holiday party in a jazz club. Jazz was evolving in the early ’60s, with artists pushing boundaries and incorporating big band, bebop, and swing influences. Ella’s vocal style, along with the vibrant brass and sax parts, makes this track feel light, joyful, and full of life. The saxophone here adds syncopated phrases that bring a sense of movement, perfect for capturing that upbeat, holiday in the jazz club vibe.
On the other end of the spectrum, “Merry Christmas baby†by Otis Redding brings blues and soul to the holiday scene. Recorded in 1968, Otis’s take on the tune is smooth and rich, fitting right in with the soulful music of the time. The late ’60s were full of soul icons like Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding himself, who brought passion and depth to their music. The saxophone in this track adds warmth and subtlety, supporting Otis’s expressive vocal delivery without overwhelming it. To play this one, aim for a mellow, full-bodied tone with long, expressive notes.
These songs have their holiday magic and history; with the saxophone in the spotlight, they become truly memorable. Merry Christmas! ???
Happy reading! ? ?
Odisei Music Team
