Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy, 1965)
This soundtrack for the 1965 Peanuts Christmas special was the second one of its kind from San Francisco jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, and benefits from the unyielding popularity of the film for which it scores. Creeping on fifty years since its initial release, Linus’ famous monologue concerning the grace, simplicity and charm of the holidays still resonates just as Guaraldi’s sprite piano perfectly equates to the first snow of the season. All personification and mood setting aside, however, this cheerily brisk 35-minute record works so well on its own terms thanks to smart arrangements of old standards and astute musicianship from one of jazz’s most underrated figures. Aside from the traditional carols, the originals are just as noteworthy. “Skating” shuffles along thanks to a subtle drum turn by Jerry Garnelli, and “Christmas Time is Here,” has become an instantly recognizable classic. Ditto for “Linus and Lucy,” the de-facto Charlie Brown theme and a showcase for Guaraldi at the peak of his powers. GRADE: A
Key Tracks: “Linus and Lucy” / “O Tannenbaum” / “Christmas Time Is Here”
Louis Armstrong & Friends – What A Wonderful Christmas (Hip-O, 1997)
More Friends than Armstrong, (eight songs versus six), this collection of singles, mostly from the 1950s, works better as an anthology rather than a straight ahead album – damn PR people. And while Armstong gets the shorter end of the stick, I’ll still take his throaty gruff, wailing trumpet and orchestras aplenty, who possess a bit more pep in their step, over his contemporaries. I’ll also take his original holiday tunes that give a decidedly black twist to an era of Christmas songs that’s all too white (“Christmas in New Orleans,” “Christmas Night in Harlem, “Zat You, Santa Claus?”). But for all the other singers to appear, including Mel Torme, Peggy Lee and Lionel Hampton, it’s Ertha Kitt’s sexy purr of a voice on “Santa Baby,” that’s the keeper. If Saint Nick didn’t get her the yacht she wanted, she could certainly afford one after her stint as Catwoman on the ’60s Batman television show. GRADE: A-
Key Tracks: “Christmas in New Orleans” / “Christmas Night in Harlem” / “Santa Baby”
Sound 'Round 