A Charlie Brown Christmas [Picture Disc] [B&N Exclusive]

by Vince Guaraldi Trio, Vince Guaraldi

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. ~ Shawn Haney

Product Details

Release Date:	10/08/2021
Label:	Bmg Special Products
UPC:	0888072249530

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Vince Guaraldi Trio   Primary Artist,Ensemble
Vince Guaraldi   Primary Artist,Organ,Conductor,Piano
George Winston   Primary Artist
Rick Braun   Primary Artist
Norman Brown   Primary Artist
The Rippingtons   Primary Artist
Brian McKnight   Primary Artist
Monty Budwig   Primary Artist,Bass,Double Bass
David Benoit   Primary Artist
Gerald Albright   Primary Artist
Chaka Khan   Primary Artist
Toni Braxton   Primary Artist
Dave Koz   Primary Artist
Colin Bailey   Primary Artist,Drums
Hank Williams, Jr.   Primary Artist
Eric Marienthal   Primary Artist
Jerry Granelli   Drums
Tom Harrell   Trumpet
Chuck Bennett   Trombone
Mike Clark   Drums
John Gray   Guitar
Seward McCain   Bass
Emanuel Klein   Trumpet
Fred Marshall   Bass,Double Bass

Technical Credits

Lee Mendelson   Composer,Text
Vince Guaraldi   Arranger,Composer,Adaptation,Original Material,Musical Adaptation
Mel Torme   Composer,Original Material
Ludwig van Beethoven   Composer,Original Material
William Chatterton Dix   Composer,Original Material
David Benoit   Composer
George Wyle   Composer
Charles Wesley   Text,Composer
Paul Blakemore   Mixing,Mastering Engineer
Public Domain   Composer
Robert Wells   Text,Composer,Original Material
Traditional   Composer
Sol Weiss   Engineer
Felix Mendelssohn   Composer,Original Material
Edward Pola   Composer
Edwin H. Morris   Composer