Santa Baby (arr. Fred Sokolow): Ukulele

Fred Sokolow's ukulele arrangement captures the playful sophistication of Kitt's original without losing any of its charm. The three-page format keeps the tune accessible for intermediate players while preserving the jazz voicings and rhythmic nuance that make this standard so enduring. It's the rare holiday tune that works equally well in a December concert or a year-round repertoire.

Sassy and self-assured, with a knowing wink to the listener. The arrangement balances comedic charm with legitimate musical substance, making performers feel both confident and entertained while they play.

Intermediate ukulele students who want to expand beyond traditional or fingerstyle repertoire into jazz and popular standards. Ensemble directors seeking accessible but sophisticated holiday material that audiences genuinely enjoy hearing. Solo performers building a repertoire of jazz-inflected standards with broad appeal.

• Shape the phrasing around the lyrical story rather than playing it mechanically. The humor lands only if the listener hears the narrative arc.
• Lock into a relaxed swing feel; rushing the tempo flattens the joke. Let the rhythm breathe.
• Emphasize dynamic contrast between the verses and the chorus so the arrangement's wit comes through clearly.
• Pay attention to any jazz chord voicings in the arrangement. These details distinguish the performance from a straightforward ukulele reading.

Pair this with other standards or jazz pieces to program a holiday concert that appeals to adult audiences and musicians tired of purely classical Christmas fare. It also works as an excellent encore number or as a solo feature if you have a player comfortable with jazz phrasing. The compact length makes it ideal for special performances outside the traditional concert setting.

• Jazz phrasing and swing rhythms on ukulele
• Navigating jazz chord voicings
• Rhythmic independence and relaxed ensemble playing
• Dynamic control and comedic timing in performance