Few jazz recordings have been listened to as often as the classic Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack performed by Vince Guaraldi and his trio of either Fred Marshall/b and Jerry Granelli/dr or Monty Budwig/b and Colin Bailey/dr. Like Lucy and the football, Concord brings this reissue out every year, and has somehow made it different than all of the previous renditions. This one has been remastered AGAIN, and has some bonus tracks not on the original album. Most notably this time around is the inclusion of the ”Great Pumpkin Waltz” and the “Thanksgiving Theme.” Regardless, Guaraldi’s touch on “Greensleeves” is glorious, while “Skating” captures the feel of the season like pumpkin pie. Likewise, “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy” are Natal soundtracks to your childhood, so let this music get into your blood stream and celebrate the Reason for the Season. All that’s missing is Linus’ speech on what Christmas is all about.
Fantasy Records
www.concordmusicgroup.com