Christmas music often elicits mixed reactions, particularly when it inundates us in every store and advertisement starting in October. For those of us who’ve spent time in holiday retail, it’s even more pronounced—I still find myself haunted by the tune of “Little Drummer Boy.”Yet, there’s one iconic album that never fails to spark joy within me, regardless of my surroundings: the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas. The Vince Guaraldi Trio truly embodies the spirit of the season.
Since its debut on CBS in 1965, the Peanuts Christmas special has become a staple of holiday television. While its charm lies in various elements, it’s undeniably the music that infuses it with life and solidifies its place in our annual traditions. Vince Guaraldi transformed an already delightful narrative into an extraordinary experience. This is precisely why it remains the sole Christmas album in my collection. Other holiday musical favorites can gladly stay on the shelf.
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No “Jingle Bells,”no “Rudolph,”and definitely no infamous Mariah Carey tune that seems to infiltrate our minds for the remainder of the year. While there is a unique instrumental take on “The Little Drummer Boy,”the majority of the album features instrumental pieces. This is complemented by the gorgeous vocal arrangements of classics like “Christmas Time Is Here”and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,”both of which are beautifully integrated into the special.
Even if the idea of children singing isn’t your preference, the album kicks off with a powerful rendition of “O Tannenbaum”that could even charm the Rat Pack. It maintains its momentum with tracks like “What Child Is This,””Linus and Lucy,”and “Skating.”With considerable experience as a bandleader, Guaraldi assembled an exceptional trio capable of crafting stunning jazz melodies.
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Jazz: A Delightful Yet Underutilized Genre
Aside from the other Peanuts holiday specials, for which Vince Guaraldi also composed the soundtracks (including those for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Arbor Day), the world misses out on definitive jazz albums celebrating the holidays. This lack is regrettable, given the timeless beauty of jazz music, particularly Guaraldi’s rich contributions.
Born in 1928 in San Francisco’s North Beach, Guaraldi cultivated a love for jazz influenced by family members who were bandleaders. After a stint as a cook in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948, he returned to San Francisco and began his professional music career. His early recording debut occurred in 1951, as part of a trio with the renowned Latin jazz musician Cal Tjader. By 1956, Guaraldi had established himself as a bandleader.
Despite the initial struggle, Guaraldi’s 1962 album, Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus, gained traction, particularly thanks to the B-side track “Cast Your Fate To The Wind,”which captured the attention of radio DJs. This success led television producer Lee Mendelson to enlist Guaraldi for a Peanuts documentary soundtrack. When Coca-Cola commissioned a Christmas special two years later, Guaraldi was the go-to choice for the soundtrack.
This holiday season, set aside the grandiose sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and your emotionally charged copy of “The Christmas Shoes.”Instead, embrace Vince Guaraldi’s enchanting creation as the soundtrack for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and even Boxing Day. It promises to fill your celebrations with smiles and the joy of dancing, reminiscent of Snoopy’s festive spirit.
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