Why The Charlie Brown Christmas Album Is a Masterpiece

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

Hey I'm not saying to use the link and go take my Skillshare course for free, but...I mean, you should use the link and go take the course for free...

[@JamesDayleyMusic]

Mr Krabbs would be all over this

[@Hannahrich430]

Video-25 seconds ago Comment- 5 hours ago- seems legit

[@watfordbros5440]

Wait how 5 hours ago

[@snadwich9352]

Sorry I can't afford it

[@owensfinalproject]

@@snadwich9352 most relatable comment ever

[@teacheyd]

I took an intro to jazz course in college to fulfill an arts requirement for my major. The first thing the professor asked was, "Do any of you listen to jazz." A few hands went up. "Do you like jazz?" About the same number went up. Then, he explained that most of the class has appreciated jazz for most of their lives and even associated it with some of their happiest childhood memories. We met him with some bewildered stares. At that point, he started playing "Linus and Lucy" on the piano. Lots of smiles and chuckles at that point. A great moment that I can still remember almost 30 years ago.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Love this story.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

Sounds like a great teacher!

[@brigglerintune]

Master teacher!

[@JK-g62]

Everything begins and ends with Peanuts!!!!

[@alexmartinez5859]

That’s a great professor and educator, then. He was able to connect the subject matter with childhood memories. Honestly might have to do the same when I start teaching history and, if we start talking about jazz music, I’ll probably have to take that one for future reference.

[@jmerton8362]

As you get older, the youthful magical feeling of Christmas can fade. But I always feel it when I listen to Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas.

[@NightOfCrystals]

Beautiful comment

[@SteveTheFazeman]

A lot of those piano pieces reflect the sense of snow falling and the warmth of a fireplace.

[@colbyhoskinson4946]

The melancholic tone of Vince’s “Christmas time is here” is what makes the song ooze with nostalgia. Because Christmas often has this sad tone of reflection from Christmases gone by, and how things have changed. How it was so exciting as a kid, maybe you’re reminded of some lost relatives; and I feel this piece perfectly captures that feeling.

[@davidcrouch3226]

Exactly... it is so impactful because it is so sad.

[@geoffrobinson]

Thank you

[@bryanj7063]

I feel what you are saying, to me it’s a somber atmosphere that you get that’s identical to the quiet of a snowy morning and in those quiet moments one can reflect on what you are speaking of.

[@shteebo]

That song perfectly captures the ambience of standing outside in the peaceful quiet of a snowfall. I assume it was intentional since that's the scene depicted in the cartoon. Brilliant work.

[@grittykitty50]

Hmmm, I never thought of that tune as melancholy.

[@franciscogarcia7117]

I totally agree that these songs do not sound like "Christmas," but at the same time, it's not Christmas until you've listened to them.

[@sitarnut]

Spot on....

[@Kyrieru]

"See, this doesn't sound like Christmas." *Plays melody that evokes sitting by a warm fire on a cold winter day.*

[@hjs7626]

Yeah I know jazz Christmas music just has such a warm feeling to it

[@StealAwayTheStars]

@@hjs7626 My dad exposed my brother and I to a lot of jazz piano and classical music as kids and would mention imagery sometimes in certain pieces. We were listening to this when he pointed out the snare brush and he said something like "Can't you just hear/see the snow falling?" It took me years to not associate the snare brush in non Christmas jazz with snow.

[@ficus4p]

I havent seen the special, but my brain said ohh christmas

[@onlimi616]

I thought that comment was a bit ridiculous as well. What makes any song sound like a Xmas song? It's the context. When we hear "Xmas Time is Here" you're immediately taken back to the dreamy sound of that kids choir in the background, it's almost hypnotic. The music fits so well with all of the Xmas themes going on in the cartoon that it was simply magical. And it's also the such well written lyrics of certain songs that invoke the holidays. I'm not religious myself, but I love how that Charlie Brown special is so unapologetically religious in it's Christmas theme. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone as modern day holiday shows are. It presents jazz and Christmas together and you're either into it or you're not. I love shows and music that are just true to their genre and not trying to straddle some watered down all inclusive idea that doesn't really cater to anyone.

[@TheTheoTherone]

I literally said out loud, "That's what snow falling sounds like!!"

[@grizelda4526]

This album is the gateway drug to jazz.

[@larryhall2805]

😁👍

[@MetalMarcJK]

This is 100% true! In high school, I liked very few jazz albums (Miles' "Kind Of Blue", Evans' "Waltz For Debby", and Coltrane's "Blue Train"). Good stuff, but with the exception of KOB, jazz never really "took" until I bought "A Charlie Brown Christmas". After a couple years of that album, I bought a few more Vince Guaraldi albums, and a couple years after that, jazz started to unfold for me and become more digestible. It's not my favorite music of all the genres, but KOB and "Explorations" by Bill Evans are two of my favorite albums of all time, and I am a certified Bill Evans super-fan.

[@claymccoy]

Very true. I find a some similarity between Guaraldi and David Brubeck (love the Take Five album).

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

It's true in modern times, because of the mass appeal to several generations... it probably was the first jazz album I ever bought. Years later, I happened to go to a record store and purchase Kind of Blue and Take Five, on a whim. There's no way to own those three albums and not convert to Jazzlam, or Jazzianity.

[@yemixakin]

Completely agree 100%. Vince Guaralidi was actually the key component that unlocked the door for my now avid and passionate love for jazz. Such a beautiful genre for wonderful musical compositions, many of which have made a fruitful impact amongst many generations. ❤

[@jklappenbach]

Not just the best Christmas album, it's one of the best jazz albums of all time.

[@erickborling1302]

Not even a jazz cormudgeon would waste time disagreeing with this as we're splitting hairs now.

[@bostonphotographer20]

And this album caused countless conversations like this: "I hate jazz." "Don't you like the soundtrack of Charlie Brown's Christmas?" "I LOVE that music...is that jazz? Maybe I do like jazz."

[@jklappenbach]

@@bostonphotographer20 This is why I've ranked it as one of the best, perhaps top five of all albums. It's not because it blazed new trails, innovated like Parker, Davis, Coltrane, etc. Nope. It took what was literally religious canon, and interpreted it in a way that could only be described as perfection. Approachable, comfortable, and timeless, the album weaves its magic to become part of each of us and our families every year. And in doing so, it is often the first introduction of jazz to each generation.

[@Beefy-Cheese]

("Phil Spector's Christmas album" has entered the chat)

[@uuclmusic2711]

It’s the best selling jazz album

[@moeball740]

I love "Christmas Time Is Here" because it is just so...Charlie Brown. The lyrics are upbeat and happy, but the actual music is quite melancholy in stark contrast to the words. Which represents how Charlie Brown feels. He thinks he should be happy at Christmas time, but in reality he's so depressed. I think a lot of people can relate to this.

[@jackryan444]

The older I get, the more “melancholy Christmas” is the mode.

[@persistentpedestrianalien8641]

It has been claimed that Charles Schultz was autistic. I'm autistic. From a young age nostalgia was a big thing to me. Rigid thinking makes Christmas so beloved in concept, but always ends in tears. Charlie's friend Linus is younger then him, I think. Nothing explains the autistic experience like Lucy pulling the ball away when Charlie tries to kick it, and he always tries again. How is this on topic? It isnt.

[@cornnose1842]

Bro charlie brown makes me so sad like he just gets fucked over so much

[@persistentpedestrianalien8641]

@@cornnose1842 Charles Schultz was autistic, bro, so the guy was just telling us what it was like to be a little.. retarded.

[@JK-g62]

@@jackryan444 i never understood growing up how Christmas wasnt always a festive holiday for some. But as Ive grown and lost...the family and friends who are no longer there is a sobering experience during the holidays.

[@alpenglow4243]

I’ve always felt that Vince Guaraldi’s music played a big part in the success of the original Charlie Brown TV specials.

[@sdovas]

Absolutely. And the popularity of both the film & its soundtrack are a testament to Vince's skill & genius.

[@andrewmcgee1001]

So did Charles Schultz..masterpiece.

[@melodyphillips2388]

The best "cartoons" have something for the parents/adults too. They are a captive audience, so it's good to entertain them, along with the littles.

[@lumanid73]

1000%

[@calbearstein9196]

Easy. Generations grew up with this as the pinnacle of the most joyous event of the year.

[@tempest_dawn]

This album sounds like hot chocolate at Grandma's house.

[@thorn99thorn]

So cozy

[@sperinthalakkat9831]

-gex

[@echovalley11]

*Grandma's condominium

[@josephserrano3890]

Not even close

[@chasenthehype]

That’s so perfectly put. It really is

[@TheWarrrenator]

It’s marvelous because holiday music is either overtly religious (which is totally fine) or cloyingly cheerful yet Vince Guaraldi’s score and songs for A Charlie Brown Christmas are reflective; the music has the emotional capacity to be both joyous in the moment yet completely melancholy. At the time of the release this was incredibly refreshing and in the half century or so later continues to do so. For many people this time of year is tremendously difficult so having this wide emotional range within the work is crucial to touching so many different people.

[@Yea___]

Very well put

[@39KHall]

Well said.

[@darrinpennington]

I've never thought about it like that. But, you're right.

[@CribNotes]

Vince Guaraldi staked his claim to the melancholy aspect of Christmas....another year gone by. Perfectly illustrated by his piano.

[@Kane26510]

This Vince Guaraldi Record is more than a tremendous album - it's a gateway drug to jazz exploration.

[@kateruterbories2692]

I concur......

[@debwelsh5595]

@@kateruterbories2692 I concur as well:)

[@blusef1]

totally a gateway!

[@prsguitars6902]

So true! It was my gateway into broader jazz albums. I LOVED this record as a kid and listened to it over and over and over. As I got older and got a Spotify account, I started exploring other instrumental jazz albums as a result.

[@rixxroxxk1620]

“Skating” was always my favorite. Always makes me think of the lead up to Christmas Day.

[@fatback2]

Vince and Fred Rogers both brought jazz harmony to so many young ears.

[@Ladidymus]

Yes!! Watching both of those programs as a child really helped develop my ear for music. 🎹🎶 Great stuff!

[@pastense]

More specifically, Jonny Costa!

[@mal2ksc]

And Sesame Street. Quincy Jones had the Pointer Sisters singing about counting from one to twelve! So much really grooving funk in the original Sesame Street, and I'm glad to see some parts of it survive to the current day.

[@TheRepublicOfJohn]

Goddamn... I'm getting kinda emotional knowing there are others out there who get it... from Mr Rogers to Peanuts Christmas, to Brubeck... to wherever the ear leads.

[@JakeWolven]

Johnny Costa!!

[@RayfieldA]

As a kid who played the piano by ear in the 70s, "Linus And Lucy" was one of the very first pieces I taught myself to play! The kids at school would always come to me and say, "Play Charlie Brown for me!" I'd correct them on the title of the song and they'd, in turn, would say "Just shut up and play the song!" 🙄 Good Grief. 🎹

[@musicdirector8046]

Me too! I didn’t have the record, so I learned it in G 🤣 The fanfare part at the end was harder in A flat.

[@fuckcensorship69]

Seriously nerd. Shut up and play

[@RavenclawNimbus]

AHAHA I get so bugged hearing people say "the Charlie Brown theme" I'm like "IT'S LINUS AND LUCY"

[@Sinjinator]

Other people’s comments is why I sweat when I play. 😅

[@w.alan.21]

i always loved it but it was years before i discovered the actual title of the song..

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

One of the most iconic theme songs of all time the moment you hear it, you know where it's from

[@0003smailliWkcaJ]

thank you kim jong-un I agree

[@danieln4567]

U know something is really great when Kim says it’s iconic

[@ConnorN22]

okay but i see you everywhere do we have the same youtube recommendations

[@natethebass-man2869]

Supreme Leader/Jazz Enthusiast?

[@jeddwright]

i thought you were dead

[@chrishale1019]

It’s not even close, it’s the best Xmas album of all time. Beyond VG’s tasty piano lines and harmonies, the upright bass and brushes on the drums are sublime. Jazz perfection.

[@erickborling1302]

Don't forget about the Overture to the Nutcracker Suite. The rest of the suite is too repetitive and predictable but the Overture is great!

[@susanbrennan5511]

1986 I was married. In 1987 I was pregnant with my first son. That November we went to Lincoln center in New York to see Vince. My husband loved him. He had no shoes on and when playing this song he invited everyone on stage to dance. It was magical. My husband died thirteen years ago but I still remember that night.

[@susanbrennan5511]

I was wrong it was George Winston who did the concert. 😊

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

It's not just a masterpiece it's *PURE* masterpiece

[@Whiggism]

Hiii

[@sethuyechi6778]

Agreed

[@thedeltasalamance1258]

Literally there are like only 1 or 2 channels I watch that I haven’t seen a comment from you. Guess great minds think alike. 👍🏻

[@KalokesMysteries]

I’m with you there

[@alfonsobiggers2452]

As pure as freshly fallen snow...

[@Just_Sara]

If this album wasn’t playing when we were decorating our Christmas tree, we had to stop and find it. No excuses. Edit: I’ve never gotten so many likes in my life. Sadly, I’ll have to listen to the album on my own this year while we open presents over the internet and try not to cry. Edit #2: I forgot to listen to it, but I didn't cry, we had fun!

[@MeloniousThunk]

So sweet! My family also listened to this one for decorating the tree. Still my fave Xmas album. Charles, where can we buy the Vince Guaraldi Christmas song book? That would be a sweet gift

[@roon.walnut5941]

@@MeloniousThunk Hal Leonard is the publisher I believe. Their website would be a good start, and also amazon.

[@DHMyers1994]

We did exactly the same thing at our house growing up.

[@Chatillgbt]

Even for meals during the holidays.. absolutely brilliant melodies

[@elijahbaird6678]

SAME

[@tommyrq180]

Where Guaraldi excelled was the way he swung. He swings in a way that is, as they say, “in the pocket” but it’s more than that. It’s a subtle, ever so slightly off-beat swing timing that is unique to him. It is the essence of cool. Every human is different when it comes to rhythm, but for me, Guaraldi is the pinnacle of timing, swing, and cool.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

The great thing about Guaraldi for me is his left hand bass on the piano, it is not just a bass, it's a second lead line that happens to be the bass. That's Vince's particular glory. It helps that he was actually mostly left handed in nearly everything except writing (and he also wore his watch on the left, which has lead people to think he was actually right handed).

[@hx823]

A Charlie Brown Christmas show and album=GOAT

[@ashleehughes1194]

This is the first holiday music/album I play every year in the bookstore where I work, and the absolute joy that people show when they hear it playing is infectious. Heads whip up from the books in their hands searching for the music as smiles spread across their faces and they turn to me sitting behind the desk and giddily ask me "Is this the Charlie Brown Christmas music?" I get to smile, nod, and reply "Yes, by the Vince Gauraldi Trio." It never fails, it happens every year multiple times a day. This album enduces nothing but nostalgia and holiday joy.

[@hknapp-hj2sn]

The instrumental version of Christmas Time is Here has always been my favorite holiday song. It just fills the mood so gently and smartly.

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@im_Spade_]

Literally exact same, between that and Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song. Jazz just hits different than generic pop music for Christmas.

[@martinsorenson1055]

When that song plays, I see (and feel) a late Christmas Eve, when the guests have gone, and you're just resting on the couch, finishing up a cup of hot chocolate, with the last flames of the fire flickering and dimly lighting the room with the tree lights.

[@maryvallas772]

It may not be inherently Christmas music , but it is intrinsically Christmas music! You can't hear it without immediately feeling that nostalgia, and boy... is the nostalgia strong with this one! I think especially for my generation (Gen X), we grew up with TV, but it was still a very limited media. There were only a few channels and no VCRs yet, no cable, so any holiday programming was cherished and watched by us all! A Charlie Brown Christmas special and the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials were eagerly anticipated special events for us! Christmas gifts in of themselves!

[@RavenCap0807]

Couldn't of said it better. Well said. I too remember those days of the christmas specials being on and this music is absolutly Christmas to me!

[@Sinjinator]

Yeah I may not like some of the Rankin/Bass quality, but their songs had hooks, like the Island of Misfit Toys, Heat/Cold Miser, etc. Well I also love the Garfield Xmas Special for the songs.

[@EarlyMusicDiva]

Don't forget the original Grinch. I always loved it when the Whos down in Whoville sang! And of course the iconic "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch". Nobody could sing it like the amazing Thurl Ravenscroft.

[@1977TA]

I just turned 47 (2024). Far too young to pass away. What's tragic in the case of Vince is the world got robbed of all the great music he would have composed if he had lived longer.

[@baxatakbaxatak2014]

Vince Guaraldi is eternally underrated. It’s almost a chore to get people to listen to his phenomenal bossa nova albums.

[@tdpiiii]

So much love for Vince & Bola!

[@dcseain]

Agreed!

[@leftcoaster67]

Skating just sounds like snow falling from the sky. It's just perfect.

[@AndyJay1985]

This album proudly sits with "Kind of Blue," "A Love Supreme," "Headhunters," and "Root Down!" On my shelf.

[@timothysmith7888]

It absolutely “sounds Christmasy”!!!

[@AC-ih7jc]

"My Little Drum" - the first song that ever brought me to tears. That by itself counts for something...

[@astridafklinteberg298]

I was born in 1965 and am of an era when you couldn’t just watch a Christmas special anytime you wanted; you had to wait for it to be broadcast on the telly. And if you missed it, which you would never do, you were SOL. I can’t even begin to express the sheer ebullient joy that the opening notes of “Linus and Lucy” would bring to our little kid hearts. I’m pushing 60 (HARD) and I still get that joyful feeling listening to this album. I appreciate your insightful and accessible explanation of the musical theory of the pieces on this album; very interesting. I will always love this album; it transports me immediately.

[@briancoyne8815]

This CD was my daughter’s bedtime soundtrack every single night for at least six years.

[@toddtollfree5659]

Vince geraldi lounge playing (2 drinks minimum) piano fits perfectly into his pure simplicity .

[@Brickzot]

“My own dog, gone commercial. I can’t stand it.” -Charlie Brown

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@brentnorton1602]

10’s and 20’s

[@joey_bonin]

Vince cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962 with Cast Your Fate To the Wind. It's rare when a jazz composition is so good it makes it into the pop charts, and very few artists can do it, but he had a track record going into this project.

[@southernbiscuits1275]

I can certainly understand why the word nostalgia is used when considering why this is such a popular album and TV special. But, nostalgia does not reach the depths of how experiences like this move the individual. I am seventy-four years old. I remember seeing this special when it first aired. Our home TV was broken so I watched it at a neighbor's house. That neighbor was like another mother to me. She is gone now as is my actual mother. Yet, I can experience all elements of watching A Charlie Brown Christmas as if it just happened. It is not a factual remembrance. It is deeper than that. I see the lighting, I feel the heat of the room, I hear the sounds. These are pieces of a lived experience that cling to us, that define our life experiences, our humanity. A Charlie Brown Christmas was so in tune with the nature of our ways of experiencing life that it entered deep within the essence of our humanity. Was it genius on the part of the creators? Or, was it a moment when the universe gifted us with something filled with love, with joy and with a sense of everlastingness?

[@bryanrichards5088]

Played this glorious music for decades. Still can't get the feel quite as sweet as the original. Best Christmas album ever in my opinion.

[@storyteller5692]

Vince was so talented in what he did. He found strengths, played to them, and just created exactly what you said. Great, easy to listen to, well written jazz. I'm so great to hear I'm not alone on thinking this album and vince are so great.

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@luccarodrigues781]

8:10 My whole life I've thought of this melodic improv line as kind of the "Vince Guaraldi Lick"

[@Fleetato]

same!

[@AaronFitzgerald]

Me too!! I love it! Happiness Is, Freda, Christmastime Is Here, Greensleves, O Tannenbaum, and even some of his non-peanuts songs feature it

[@Jupiter862]

And your exactly right. On the iii :D

[@gabethebabe8187]

Me too!!!!!

[@krystopherscroggins3044]

for the life of me, I've been trying to figure it out for a couple of weeks now and I just cannot quite get it!

[@Legitlashes]

3:49 CHILLS CHILLS CHILLS. That melody is so perfect

[@2CrowStudios]

To me "Skating" is my favorite Christmas time song and it never gets old.

[@peterbradburn9115]

55 from the UK. Only ever heard the Linus and Lucy theme, and always loved it's perfect simplicity. Had no idea was a Christmas tune, or ever even heard of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. It's just not a thing, here. But from the snippets you've played, none of which, as you've pointed out, are particularly Christmasay, know I'm going to go to bed, put on, admittedly Boxing Day pissed, and bawl my eyes out of a nostalgia for something I'd never even previously heard of. Thank you

[@JohnProthero]

Those opening chords of "O Tannenbaum" are magic: so deceptively simple, and then the drums and double bass come in, and it's even more spectacular! This is one of my "must listen" albums for Christmas, along with The Carpenter's "Christmas Portrait".

[@sarochiel]

I refuse to decorate for Christmas without "Christmas Portrait" playing. I wait until I have all the boxes out and open, the living-room vacuumed, the tree-stand centred, and then I start the CD and my decorating simultaneously. And the Nutcracker ballet!

[@jolili98]

Vince is great at creating a piece that perfectly feels like the scene or emotion he’s trying to portray. He is great at painting the picture. Making us feel the emotion. He perfectly embodies youth, love, warmth, happiness, etc. in his pieces.

[@akex519]

i play clarinet but this album touched me so much that i learned vince’s o tannenbaum solo on clarinet. i play skating every year when it snows for the first time. this album is an absolutely huge part of my life, so thanks for covering it.

[@YG-us6tl]

Hello fellow clarinetist !

[@jamisonwooley8799]

So this video popped up on my KZbin maybe about 3 weeks ago and I've been meaning to watch it. So today on Christmas, I finally decided to watch it and almost came to tears of joy. My father, LOVED, this entire album. He didn't play piano. I do. And I've learned one song from this album. "Christmas Time Is Here". But you are completely and totally right on everything. This is the best Christmas album, of all time, as well as, I too am confident in my piano playing skills, but do recognize that there are others out there who are better than I am. And it doesn't make me mad or jealous. It makes me happy to see others who have the talent and skill, not let it go to waste and keep it going. Such like jazz. Thank you sir for this video and along with my own memories, you've helped keep my father's memory of this album alive 🩵🩵🩵🩵

[@douglasbroccone3144]

I’m 54 and just learning music theory I only play guitar but love to learn about music composition watching your great videos Thanks brother

[@ktrmeadow]

Love this album and never tire of it on repeat. Post pandemic I can see a stroll in a large city having coffee in a huge hotel piano bar with you tickling the ivories, holiday forecast to come please.

[@brentfugett2700]

I guess the question is what does "Christmassy" sound like?! It's Christmassy because it reminds you of how you felt at Christmas time. Something beautifully poetic about such incredible jazz music making it's way into such an iconic piece of our Christmas landscape. Love the expository also.

[@bolicob]

Christmassy is jingle bells /s

[@PolyphonicSpr33]

Favorite Christmas album, hands down. My Dad and stepmom both played piano when I was growing up, and they were both born in the 50s. The nostalgia settles on me like a warm blanket along with that sense of Christmas melancholy this album captures so perfectly.

[@bmcbrien1]

Love it! I just commented on your Johnny Costa video asking about Vince Guaraldi. Figured you covered this. I’m 63 and remember watching this in 1965. I also have many Vince Guaraldi albums and love his cover of Never Never Land from the 1954 musical Peter Pan. Such child-like innocence in this. We used when I danced with my daughter at her wedding. Had some trouble keeping it together if you know what I mean. Thanks again for such a great presentation!

[@kjmav10135]

Rest assured, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Giraldi’s sound track, was a big deal immediately. I was a little kid when it first came out, and the music was a big deal back then. He knew he had created a masterpiece.

[@TheMatteoRomaniello]

Imagine if CBS didn’t air this Christmas special and Coca Cola never owned anything. How times would be so different.

[@tsg_frank]

Coca Cola pretty much made the modern Christmas

[@DefenestrateYourself]

Nah, Charles Dickens did. And Rome’s Saturnalia

[@tlazohtlalia]

@@DefenestrateYourself mood

[@drewburchett2824]

Interestingly enough, they almost didn't. CBS execs and others who were shown an early screening didn't really like anything about it and didn't think that the jazz soundtrack would connect with people. The only reason they went forward was that they'd already agreed to air it and it was really too late to get anything else for that time slot.

[@germansnowman]

@@DefenestrateYourself Princess Charlotte brought the Christmas tree to England (via Martin Luther), and Coca-Cola gave Santa Clause a red suit.

[@jamiemacdonald436]

The first Christmas I ever spent alone, I decided to have some drinks and put on this album. Let me tell you, I never realized until that point how incredibly somber a great portion of the album is. LOL. I had to change things up pretty quick as a combination of the alcohol, the music, and being alone were sending me in to a bad place. hahaha. But seriously, I agree that it's THE quintessential Christmas album of all time!

[@JesseDriftwood]

I appreciate your videos so much dude.

[@corynesselbush2611]

Without knowing much of Guaraldi's catalog outside of this work, it seems his style was a perfect fit for a program intended for children. Keep it simple stupid, Coke needs you to hold the attention of kids still developing listening skills. He did more than that, he created a sound and feeling that keeps us returning decades later.

[@tc2882]

There are only 3 Christmas specials that are mandatory viewing: #3 - Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer #2 - How The Grinch Stole Christmas (original, full-length, animated with Boris Karloff) #1 - A Charlie Brown Christmas (unabridged) There must be millions of jazz enjoyers for whom this was their gateway into the genre.

[@legoharry100]

The most underrated part of Vince is his glorious mustache.

[@PinkGrapefruit22]

It's definitely my favorite Christmas album. I don't even remember watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special that many times growing up, but somehow this music has just stuck with me over the years. The combination of nostalgia, wistfulness, warmth, melancholy, and sweetness... There's just something about it that captures the feeling of mid-winter.

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@fishingthelist4017]

I don't see much snow down here in Alabama, but I know what a snowy day sounds like from this album. The bass and drums complement the piano to create a winter soundscape that I associate with Christmas. My favorite scenes are when Chuck and Linus are going to buy the tree and when Charlie Brown is walking home with it. There is a combination of peace and suspense that says Christmas Eve to me.

[@davidreuss8433]

Had a jazz music store here in Copenhagen, Denmark for 18 years, and imported cases of A Charlie Brown Christmas from Fantasy Records for Christmas sales. I feel proud to say that I turned a lot of Danes on to one this beautiful little piece of American culture. A little bit of "bonus info": The Peanuts in Danish are called "The Radishes" or Radiserne. There's beauty in simplicity, and with the Christmas crazyness all around, it's nice to keep things simple. Keith Jarrett's "The Melody At Night, With You" was also a Christmas hit, also because of it's beautiful simpleness!

[@brendamathieu1069]

When I hear this Christmas album, something happens inside of me and it takes me back to the first time I ever heard it when my children were young. And last weekend, a day in December 2024, I found it on KZbin and it was my background music while preparing my children’s favorite cookies, Pumpkin Chip! Yes, can see me dancing in my kitchen, not bad for a 75 year old grandma/great grandma! It was a magical moment that I will not soon forget! ❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️

[@edmarti3661]

Thanks Charles Cornell for this appreciation. This album is my all-time favorite Christmas album, fun, lovely and bittersweet. I am not a musician but agree it's a masterpiece and I appreciate what Guaraldi created. I was a kid when the Charlie Brown Christmas special premiered, at a time when my parents had only just split up; the show was fun and music great, our house decorated (mom went all out) but also melancholy for me. Then while in college I entered the Tower Records store (Broadway @E 4th Street, Manhattan) and the vocal version of "Christmas Time is Here" from this album was on all speakers. It sounded so sweet and triggered overwhelming emotions for me... I had to step outside to compose myself. Crazy what an album can do.

[@tw9121]

He was right about the nostalgia, reminds me of how magical Christmas was when we were kids.

[@nathanjasper512]

I think the fact that it's not overly Christmasy is what's great about it. You know, great tunes with a few Christmas songs thrown in. It doesn't hit you over the head.

[@JRusk56]

Well, it was pretty big by 1976. I was living with my parents outside the US when it first came out. So I missed out on the original airing. But it was a staple by the early 1970s, if my memory holds true. I have the music to it too, but I'm not an improv person like you, having emphasized classical training over imorov. You are right that it is one of the great masterpieces of all time. He was truly gifted. Also, two other Christmas gems are 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas, ' which is lesser known because some copyright issues took a central piece out of that made-for-TV special, and I don't think it has ever been put back in, though you can purchase a DVD version of it without that content. The soundtrack was written by some renowned Broadway writers, and the part that is missing is where Mr. Magoo decides to put on a Broadway production to raise some money, so that it becomes a show within a show. It came out before 'It's a Charley Brown Christmas.' But yes, the music to this Christmas classic is genius and special. Now in England everybody watches 'Marry Poppins, ' but that's a whole nother topic.

[@realchilldude1271]

0:18 No man not alone for sure. "Christmas time is here" is one of my favourite songs in the world, even tho it has a childrens choir, and is from a cartoon, and a christmas song. Even with those caveats its a beautiful melody.

[@realspacemodels]

Nostalgia is a HUGE component of this album. I was 5 years old when the Charlie Brown Christmas first aired. I grew up loving the music from all the Charlie Brown specials. I bought the CD of this album in the 80's and have listened to it every Christmas ever since.

[@stevenjones6780]

Nothing captures the bitter sweet melancholy of the season like "Christmastime is here". That song was so ingrained in me that a complete arrangement spontaneously spun out of my hands years ago on guitar and I never changed it or felt the need to.

[@amandastumpff5252]

“Skating” is the most perfect piece of music ever composed. Period. Next to “The Great Pumpkin Waltz.”

[@goldilox369]

I love both. And this album is on contestant rotation during Christmas in my house.

[@atomboyd]

Yoooo @charlescornell what is that left hand stretch in Skating?!?! What am I supposed to do with something like that?

[@aidanschram9652]

Have you heard Chick Corea's take on Great Pumpkin Waltz? its very good

[@amandastumpff5252]

@@aidanschram9652 no, but I’ll check it out! Thanks!

[@HGQjazz]

Great Pumpkin waltz and Chick's version is so great!

[@heatherlewis4477]

This has been my favourite Christmas album for most of my life! I have many memories of listening to it while decorating the Christmas tree or baking cookies with my mom every year.

[@johnnyklasing4002]

For me these songs sound christmasy because when i was a kid we would go to the mall to see santa and we would enter the mall through von maur which had a piano and someone playing jazz songs like these.

[@doejohn215]

As a teacher, I just love this dude’s style. You’re truly a gifted teacher.

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@pierreolivierlepage664]

This album, along with Dave Brubeck' Time Out are my two favorite jazz albums ever.

[@calebshoemaker]

God I love Time Out

[@lizkrinsky5209]

And Sonny Rollins music from Alfie

[@stevesundstrom7867]

Apparently, Brubek was the first choice for the original Peanuts documentary.

[@MarkObert]

This album was my intro to Jazz before I properly knew what jazz was. Also, it is the 1 album I reach for during the holiday season. when it starts, I smell the wood smoke from the wood stove heating our house, the smell of holiday cookies being made as we lay on the floor in front of the TV and watch the show start and speak lines for the candy commercials that always played. it meant the start of the Christmas Season for my family and you are right.. The memories attached to this album are huge and significant. I hope Vince realized the contribution he gave when producing this wonderful album.

[@gustavrosengren6605]

Discovered this album last year and I can't agree more. The best X-mas album out there. I just wish I could find the special aswell to see the animation over the track

[@SeraphsWitness]

It is 100% the best christmas album of all time. It's subtle and confident and bold, while still being traditional and nostalgic.

[@atomic32205489]

I was born in 1960 and have watched the CB Christmas Special every year since it came out. I discovered the album in high school and have been preaching the Gospel of Vince Guaraldi ever since. When I see the first snow while I'm at work, I play "Skating" on the intercom so everyone will know it's snowing. It is a truly special work from an under appreciated artist.

[@MizJilly]

I adore it, but it's so poignant to me now as an adult who's lost the people who made Christmas so beautiful when I was young, that I can't watch it anymore.

[@tabbycat55]

I was born in 1969, so Charlie Brown was a part of my holidays when I was small. Yes, it tugs at my heart and is definitely one of my top two favorite Christmas albums. Thanks for highlighting it!

[@rikk319]

I was born in '69 as well. That melancholy mood mixed with the positive moods of the season made for a heady mix in my childhood, and expanded my simplistic understanding of emotions.

[@lylejackson9410]

This Album helped me get through tough times being out at sea in the Navy. It transported me back home when I listened to it. Thanks Vince Geraldi.

[@thejonathandoan]

"Skating" is one of my favorite compositions ever! I still remember the first time I heard it when I saw the special on TV way back in the day. I was entranced. Vince Guaraldi is amazing. Linus and Lucy is also an all-time favorite. So beautiful!!

[@allenlutins]

"I can't think of an instance where anybody is walking down the street listening to chord changes." Very insightful observation by Vince Guaraldi.

[@josephballerini3730]

True but he music I love the most is a beautiful melody weaving through interesting chords and rhythms.

[@clayton229]

I think the subtitle was a little wrong there. I think he actually said "whistling the chord changes". I could be wrong, but that also seems to make sense with his point. The idea being that the melody is what gets stuck in your head. The melody is what people remember. And when you are recreating a song on your own by whistling or humming or singing, the melody is what the song is distilled down to. No one is whistling the chord changes.

[@puppetsnob]

Vince, meet Charles, a person who walks down the street listening to chord changes.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

@@clayton229 He did say 'whistling chord changes', and I agree with his point in general... but a small percentage of the population are music enthusiasts, and in this group you will find people who walk around humming bass lines or changes. Most people who don't have a trained ear won't even be able to distinguish one instrument from another, while listening to music. They just hear the whole thing, all at once.

[@footofjuniper8212]

It's one of my favorites; not just Christmas music, but of all time. Christmas time is here (instrumental) is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. There are several favorites on the album.

[@taraortiz]

Vince wrote a bona-fide standard. 🐐

[@Yay863]

Every time I hear the Charlie Brown album makes my spirit soar. Love it so much.

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@waynesanchez6504]

THANK YOU, BLESS YOU! No one else has afforded this this fantastic, timeless music the discussion, analysis it so richly deserves. I'm 68 years old, literally grew up OBSESSED by "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and everything about it. Our ONLY chance to watch it, was that ONE SHOWING, ONE NIGHT when CBS and Coke aired it. Miss it and you were depressed and pissed the entirety of the next YEAR. At 68, I retain a cherished DVD of it, to be handed on to my first grandchild. Again THANK YOU, BLESS YOU sir.

[@marylorvick5390]

I watched the show when it premiered, even though I was a teenager at the time. When our kids came along, they watched the show as well-I had the piano music and am now teaching some of those pieces to my piano students. I have several of Guaraldi's albums on CD-thoroughly enjoy them all!

[@TimothySielbeck]

Accidently stumbled across this video. I'm now going to listen to this masterpiece, again. I always loved "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I have tried to watch it every year because of the message and the music. About 20, or so, years ago I heard a talk radio show playing the songs from this album and thought how nice it would be to have a copy of it. The show's host then says that the album is available and I rushed to buy everyone I knew a copy just in time for Christmas. It is one of my all-time favorites.

[@redfullmoon]

Wow I wish I was your friend

[@jamisonescott2300]

I've been a big jazz fan most of my life. And it all started from watching Charlie Brown specials on TV in the 1970s. Thank you, Vince Guaraldi.

[@Aukejorrit]

I have been listening to the album every year around december for a few years now. This year, because of everything happening, i started early in October. It is such a brilliant album that just fills your heart with glee and nostalgia!

[@TDuncPiano]

i love his album, I would love to play some of the songs in it and maybe upload a video or 2 on them on my youtube :) it would mean the world if you check it out or even subscribe!! happy christmas

[@AntonSolo]

When I started appreciating jazz, my senior year in High School, (thank you Mel Tormé for your concert at the Hollywood Bowl on my birthday that year) my band director told me that if I really wanted to understand the beauty of Improvisational jazz, I needed to get a copy of za Charlie Brown Christmas. He was absolutely right, now than ever, I will listen to it just for the Jazz elements. I've convinced my teenage daughter to appreciate the soundtrack more than when she was little and the music meant that Santa was coming...

[@gnomeache2926]

The best Christmas album hands down. It never gets old. Pure nostalgia.

[@MrDjslav5]

My No. 1 album of all time. Melancholic bliss. Not much family around anymore at my age, but I'll always have our family Christmas soundtrack to remember the feeling of togetherness.

[@andyharpist2938]

He's correct to a point but against Bing Crosby there is no competition for cosyness.

[@Just_Sara]

It depends on what you grew up hearing! My family listened to Charlie Brown Christmas and not Bing, so for us CBC will always bring out more feelings of cozy togetherness. :) @@andyharpist2938

[@MizJilly]

Same.

[@j.s.m.5351]

Jerry Granelli, the drummer on this album, has been performing it live every year around Christmas time in his hometown in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At least he was able to see the impact it had!

[@DZPianoMusic]

I’m a pianist, teacher, and composer, and have been a Guaraldi fan since I was a kid (that’s many decades) … Charles, you’re 100% on point in your analysis, and your playing is terrific!

[@diwilliams2960]

Love Vince’s style of jazz and is one of my favorites! absolutely love it and never get tired of listening to it! It is so rich!

[@iashakezula]

Growing up in the Philippines, I didn’t grew up with this but when I came here in the early 90s , I found this cartoon and fell in love it , I grew up with a piano and with a mother who was an impressionist piano player plus traditional, I love the piano work in it.