Staff Picks: December 2024
Our Sheet Music Direct team plays, strums and sings just as much as you do! We're a team of musicians who love music of various styles and, when we're not busy with all things Sheet Music Direct, play at home, church, and gigs. Each month, we're sharing some of the favorite songs we're currently playing and why we think you'll love them too. For the holiday season, our December picks feature some of our team's festive favorites. Check these out below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Jacklyn's Pick
That's Christmas to Me, Pentatonix
I've been in the a cappella mood these days since I recently attended my first Pentatonix Christmas concert. I've been a huge fan of them since their first YouTube days, and while I love all of their covers of the latest trending pop songs, I swoon so hard over there Christmas songs. My most favorite Christmas song from them is "That's Christmas to Me" which is a Pentatonix original. Anytime I listen to this song, I imagine being surrounded by family and friends gathered around a toasty open fire embracing the warm and fuzzy feeling the holidays bring. It is a very gentle and soothing melody to both listen to and play.
Annie's Pick
Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night), Mannheim Steamroller
Mannheim Steamroller's rendition of "Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night)" from their 1988 A Fresh Aire Christmas album is incredibly calming and beautiful. This piano solo transcription is a nice relaxing play, where it is slow enough for easy sight-reading. It remains faithful to the original melody of "O Holy Night," with just the right amount of variation to keep it interesting.
Jill's Pick
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, 15th Century German Carol
My absolute favorite (underplayed!) Christmas song is the German carol "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." As a former choir kid, I don't think it gets better than Praetorius' simple but surprising harmonization, and each year I play the Tabernacle Choir version on Christmas Eve with a hot beverage and only the tree lights on in the house. For me, nothing else captures the mystery and peace of the holiday so beautifully.
Sam's Pick
Christmas in L.A., The Killers
The Killers are no stranger to a festive tune having released an entire Christmas compilation in 2016 in the shape of Don't Waste Your Wishes. The pick of the bunch for me is this melancholic collaboration with Dawes. The video for the song even stars Owen Wilson, which elevates it even more in my book!
Joe's Pick
O Tannenbaum, Vince Guaraldi
Vince Guaraldi wrote and performed, with his band, the music for multiple Charlie Brown holiday TV specials in the 1960s, creating a musical identity for the iconic cartoon characters. My favourite of these is Guaraldi's understated performance of "O Tannenbaum" (the tune often translated to "O Christmas Tree"). The jazzy but simple opening section gives way to a toe-tapping 4/4 swung version of the tune that is perfect for playing for friends and family around the holidays!
Dan's Pick
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Traditional English Carol
The timeless charm of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" has long made it one of my favorites for the holiday season, and its rich melody and uplifting spirit shine whether you're playing for personal enjoyment or spreading cheer at festive gatherings.
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