In this tutorial, we will be creating a jazzy version of Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song”. The tune is also known as ‘Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire’ and this sentence is the first line of the lyrics.
You will find versions of this song in a number of different keys and we are going to be playing it in the key of C Major.
This is one of the most popular Christmas tunes amongst jazz musicians because the chord changes are great for reharmonisation.
Reharmonisation which is where we replace or enhance the original chords with jazzier sounding chords that often contain extensions and alterations.
We’ll be applying a number of jazz concepts to the tune including upper structure triads, suspended harmony, passing chords and also some examples of diminished harmony.