A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz

And it was the collaboration of Sparky, Lee, and Bill that provided new Peanuts animated specials over the years. It was Sparky’s dedication and discipline in making the Peanuts comic strip the best it could be and continuing that dedication for another 35 years so fans always had something fresh to look forward to in Peanuts. I have also been reflecting about how the Christmas special would not have happened if it had not been for Sparky and his collaboration with Lee Mendelson, the special’s producer, and Bill Melendez, the animator. There were just three television Networks, and no VCRs, so once the special played, audiences had to wait a year before seeing it again. In 1965, the year A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted, the media focus was not what it is today. With its blend of contemporary jazz and lyrical mannerisms, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a joyous and festive meditation for the holiday season.Looking forward to this season’s showing of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the 47th year, I reflect again on just how so many stars aligned along the way in Sparky’s career in general, and with this show in particular. 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. Finally, the uplifting, emotionally stirring swing tune 'Christmas Is Coming' really brings the listener into the joyous light of the Christmas spirit. 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. 'Christmastime Is Here,' perhaps the album's most endearing and eloquent moment, is six minutes of soft, lullaby-like melodic and percussive flavors. 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.

'What Child Is This' touches on cool jazz's richly textured percussive nuances, while 'The Christmas Song' reflects Christmas' relaxing, mellow moments.

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. 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.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz