Merry! combines two traditional Christmas carols in big band swing style. It starts with a slow verse of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen featuring the alto saxophone before the tempo changes with the introduction of ‘Krupa’ toms on the drums. The drum style later changes into a more straightforward swing style with a minor key version of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. The two carols then intertwine before the final statement of ‘God Rest Ye, Merry’ wins out at the end. While not technically difficult the piece needs a good sense of the appropriate styles - particularly from the drummer.
