When pianist Vince Guaraldi took the job composing the music for the Peanuts Christmas special that first aired in 1965, he accomplished two remarkable feats. One, he gave the TV special a unique soundtrack of Latin-flavored jazz that perfectly complemented Charlie Brown and the Peanuts characters. And two, Guaraldi ultimately made jazz tunes accessible, to be remembered by millions of TV viewers across generations of fans of the show.

Creating tunes that are deceptively simple, well written and a joy to play was quite the accomplishment. Play just a few bars of the "Linus and Lucy" theme or "Skating" and just about anyone who has seen the show will recognize the melodies.

Those tunes have become timeless classics, and this is what inspired me as a guitarist to adapt and arrange a performance of this great music with a quintet of talented Rochester musicians.

Originally aired 54 years ago, A Charlie Brown Christmas still stands apart from other holiday specials thanks to its uniquely wistful tone and ghostly jazz soundtrack.

[source: Bop Shop calendar, 2019-Dec-9]