JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose"....how Mel Tormé conjured up the atmosphere of this festive time of year. Of course, there are a number of ways you can celebrate in Toronto, in spite of how warm a fall this has been...why just this afternoon I harvested some more greens from my garden...a tropical place, this T.O.

Moreen Murray

When I worked in a bookstore and we were required to play Christmas music over what seemed like an endless period of time, there were a couple of CDs in heavy rotation (my contributions) - "A Charlie Brown Christmas" - featuring the Vince Guaraldi Trio and a Verve compilation I discovered called "Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas" - featuring such luminiaries as Ella Fitgerald on the title tune, er, Merry Little Christmas, Bille Holiday's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and even Roland Kirk - "We FREE Kings". If you have to be playing Christmas music that's the way to do it....

Here are a few live options around the city to get you in the spirit of the season:

How about a little nosh with your jazz and klezmer? Latkes for everyone - the effervescent Sisters of Sheynville and their annual Chanukah party at the Rex on Sunday December 6th, 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Like a cozy fire in the midst of a wintry day, singer/pianist Carol Welsman is at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts on Thursday December 10th. Carol has a new CD out too - a tribute to the unforgettable Peggy Lee, "I Like Men"... my sentiments exactly. Further info on that at www.ticketmaster.ca

As rich as eggnog and sparkling as the ornaments and lights of Yuletide - one of my favourite vocalists - Diane Reeves is in concert at Bluma Appel Theatre on December 12th. Diane also has a CD out "Christmas Time is Here". She also has concerts in Brampton at the Rose Theatre and in Oakville - see www.dianereeves.com

I am particularly looking forward to our own Sound of Jazz concert - the tribute to Vince Guaraldi - having watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" many times as a youngster (well, actually I still do). Will there be inspired Snoopy dancing....a search for the meaning of Christmas and a tree that "just needs a little love?" The Old Mill on December 14th. (Please note this concert is now sold out! - Ed.)

And now a shameless plug for the 3rd annual "Jingle Bones" - a fundraiser for the Food Bank taking place at the Rhino on December 21st, on Queen West from 7:30 and organized by my brother, bass trombonist extraordinaire Colin Murray. There will be a mulitude of heavenly trombones - and if you play, bring your horn plus a donation of food or money (and even if you're just a trombone groupie). This great bar has an incredible beer selection too, if that's an incentive. Who am I kidding? Musicians and beer? Let the celebrations begin....

Check out the Jazz Calendar for many more events.

How about some JAZZ.FM91 merchandise - just check out the website. Need I mention Ross Porter's "Essential Jazz Recordings" book or CD? Or even the gift that keeps giving - a donation to JAZZ.FM91 in someone's name. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like hot cocoa or Mr. Porter's voice.

Another holiday tradition of mine (and how I used to procrastinate during university exam periods) - baking. On the list includes shortbread, rugelach, gingerbread and 2 types of biscotti (chocolate and fig and anise). I can hear the JAZZ.FM91 staff salivating now.

Wishing you a joyous and music filled holiday season!