A Charlie Brown Christmas [2012 Remastered] [Expanded Edition]

by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Overview

Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz called on pianist extraordinaire Vince Guaraldi and his trio to compose and perform music that would reflect the humor, charm, and innocence of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang for their 1965 Christmas TV special. It was a perfect match: Guaraldi strings together elegant, enticing arrangements that reflect the spirit and mood of Schulz's work and introduce contemporary jazz to youngsters with grace, charm, and creativity. "What Child Is This" touches on cool jazz's richly textured percussive nuances, while "The Christmas Song" reflects Christmas' relaxing, mellow moments. The renowned "Linus and Lucy" gives the Peanuts characters a fresh, energetic feel with its tantalizing meter changes, brilliant percussion, and dashing, humorous piano lines. "Christmastime Is Here," perhaps the album's most endearing and eloquent moment, is six minutes of soft, lullaby-like melodic and percussive flavors. This collection of soul-soothing melodies would not be complete without the romantic gem "Skating," which blends musical references to falling snowflakes with the dashing feel of swing. Finally, the uplifting, emotionally stirring swing tune "Christmas Is Coming" really brings the listener into the joyous light of the Christmas spirit. Fred Marshall's alluring walking basslines and drummer Jerry Granelli's hauntingly beautiful brush work give most of the album a warm foundation, while Monty Budwig and Colin Bailey shine through with eminent dexterity on bass and drums on "Greensleeves." As for Guaraldi, his penetrating improvisational phrases paint pictures of the first winter snowfall, myriad glistening trees, and powdery white landscapes. With its blend of contemporary jazz and lyrical mannerisms, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a joyous and festive meditation for the holiday season. [A remastered and expanded edition was released in 2012.] ~ Shawn Haney

Product Details

Release Date:	10/09/2012
Label:	Fantasy
UPC:	0888072340275
catalogNumber:	34027
Rank:	14406

Tracks

1. O Tannenbaum
2. What Child Is This
3. My Little Drum
4. Linus And Lucy
5. Christmas Time Is Here
6. Christmas Time Is Here
7. Skating
8. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
9. Christmas Is Coming
10. Fur Elise
11. The Christmas Song
12. Greensleeves
13. Great Pumpkin Waltz
14. Thanksgiving Theme

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Vince Guaraldi Trio   Primary Artist
Vince Guaraldi   Organ,Piano
Jerry Granelli   Drums
Mike Clark   Drums
John Gray   Guitar
Colin Bailey   Drums
Monty Budwig   Bass
Tom Harrell   Trumpet
Fred Marshall   Bass
Seward McCain   Bass
Emanuel Klein   Trumpet
Chuck Bennett   Trombone

Technical Credits

Ludwig van Beethoven   Composer
Vince Guaraldi   Arranger,Composer,Adaptation
Mel Tormé   Composer
Nick Phillips   Reissue Producer
Robert Wells   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Derrick Bang   Liner Notes