Have A Heart At Christmas: When Jazz Met Jingle Bells (and It Actually Worked)
Alright, let’s talk about Have A Heart At Christmas by the Chicken Shed Theatre Company featuring Larry Adler. This 1994 gem from the UK is like that quirky uncle who shows up to Christmas dinner wearing a Hawaiian shirt—unexpected but oddly endearing. With its mix of jazz and children’s tunes, it’s got more charm than your average holiday album. And hey, when RCA slapped their label on it, you knew they were onto something… right?
First off, this isn’t your grandma’s Bing Crosby Christmas record (though we still love ya, Bing). Nope, this one leans into easy listening with a jazzy twist. Think smooth melodies, playful vibes, and just enough festive cheer to keep things merry without drowning in tinsel.
The Tracks That Stuck With Me
Let’s zoom in on two tracks because if I go through all of them, we’ll be here till Boxing Day.
1. "I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise"
This track hits differently. Like, imagine George Gershwin wandered into Santa’s workshop and said, “Let me spice this up a bit.” It’s jazzy, classy, and somehow makes you feel like you’re sipping cocoa in a swanky New York club while snowflakes gently kiss the windows outside. Larry Adler’s harmonica adds this cheeky little flair—it’s like he’s winking at you through the music. Honestly, I can’t unhear it now; every time I climb actual stairs, I hum this tune. Weird flex, I know.
2. "Have A Heart At Christmas"
Ah yes, the title track. If ever there was a song that sounded like someone wrapped kindness in soundwaves, this would be it. It’s sweet without being saccharine, heartfelt without trying too hard. Plus, the kids’ choir gives it an adorable edge—like when your nephew sings carols slightly off-key but melts your heart anyway. You can tell the Chicken Shed crew put soul into this one. It’s not perfect, but maybe that’s why it sticks.
Why This Album? Why Now?
Sure, it came out in ’94, which means some listeners might’ve been rocking flannel shirts and grunge playlists instead of cozying up to this. But give it a spin today, and you’ll realize how timeless it feels. It’s not trying to reinvent Christmas music—it’s just giving you permission to chill, tap your feet, and maybe even smile at the sheer silliness of life for 40 minutes.
And look, nobody asked for a jazz harmonica-led Christmas album, but here we are. Maybe that’s the magic of it. It’s proof that art doesn’t always need to take itself seriously. Sometimes, it just needs to remind us that joy can come from weird places—even a theatre company full of kids and Larry Adler blowing notes like a musical wizard.
So, do yourself a favor. Grab a copy of Have A Heart At Christmas, pour yourself some eggnog (spiked or not), and embrace the delightful chaos of the season. Just don’t blame me if you start building imaginary stairways to paradise afterward.
Final thought? If Santa listened to jazz, this would totally be on his playlist.
