Ah, the holiday season. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it is time to either buy or take your tree out of hiding and load up on eggnog. Yes, it's that time of year again. I dig Christmas music. I love the classics. However, because the holidays come once a year, there's only so much music you can withstand. I say that because my heart goes out to all the people who have to endure Maria Carey's thawing. A Charlie Brown's Christmas LP stands in a class of its own because of how timeless it is and that it will never go out of style.
Guaraldi's name is synonymous with the Peanuts franchise, and ACBC was the first collaboration between the two, starting in 1965, the same year the classic special aired on television. Peanuts, as they have been around for a decade, had already become a success due to themes of politics, philosophy, and ethics, which, for a comic strip, is ahead of its time. The genre of Jazz itself was in a tough position as folk dominated the early 60s and Beatlemania and the British invasion occurred just a year prior.
A Charlie Brown's Christmas, if it could be described as a feeling, that feeling would be warmth. From the opening notes of "O Tannenbaum," you feel cozy. You want to make a cup of hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. The musicianship on this record has always been a key component that gets overlooked because of the legacy of the special (which is understandable). It might be a holiday record, but listening to it, you wouldn't be able to tell because Guaraldi and his trio are just cooking. Brushing has always been a troupe in Jazz, and drummer Jerry Granelli showcases its strengths in the instrumental take on "Christmas Time is Here" as it lulls you into a dreamlike state accompanied by Vince's elegant piano. "Linus and Lucy," which is a standout on the album, is unofficially the Peanuts anthem and is so instantly recognizable. "Christmas Time is Here" is again reprised with vocals provided by St. Paul's Epispical Church choir and opens the special with the iconic skating sequence.
This holiday, cozy up with a holiday classic. It's essential in my tradition, why don't you make it yours?
