Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas (Hybrid SACD)
Vince Guaraldi – piano, bandleader, Hammond organ (8)
Fred Marshall – double bass
Jerry Granelli – drums
Monty Budwig – double bass (4)
Colin Bailey – drums (4)
Choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California
1 Hybrid SACD, standard sleeve
Stereo
Studio
Label : Analogue Productions
Original Label : Fantasy
Recorded October 26, 1964 (A4) & September 17–October 28, 1965 at Fantasy Recording Studios, San Francisco, California
Engineered by Soul S. Weiss
Mastered to DSD by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape
Originally released in December 1965
Reissued in 2026
Tracks:
- O Tannenbaum
- What Child Is This
- My Little Drum
- Linus And Lucy
- Christmas Time Is Here
- Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)
- Skating
- Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
- Christmas Is Coming
- Fur Elise
- Christmas Song
Reviews:
“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.” AllMusic Review by Shawn M. Haney
Ratings :
AllMusic : 5 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.77 / 5