It had to be one of two things. Either someone really knew what they were doing, or it was all dumb luck. Smart money’s on the latter, I’d say, but I’ve got a stubborn heart that refuses all that. October 26th, 1964 was a dank regular Monday in San Francisco the day that Fantasy Records co-founder Sol Weiss hit the record button on the tape machine. Historical weather charts indicate that the city was likely dealing with at least a bit of drizzle that afternoon. They also say that there was a lot of fog and smoke.
The space between the notes is my favorite- I love how it takes its time, but doesn't overstay its welcome. My kid has been playing double bass for almost four years and I have been absolutely WAITING for him to get to this music. He's not used to the timing because he's used to orchestra, but knows it so well from us playing it every year. It is pretty cool :)
Dec 15, 2023·edited Dec 15, 2023Liked by Arle Bielanko
Vince Guaraldi. Woof. That music. That sublime softness. Doesn’t sound a thing like Christmas music and yet, it sounds like the most Christmasy music ever. That soft tinkling of “Christmastime Is Here” melts the heart, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t exist without the images; that crude animation. Only a handful of jazz enthusiasts will ever hear it. But the images glow with it. What a gentle buzz. Watching the special in 2023 is a soothing balm, a stop-and-just-sit-for-24-minutes respite from what life has become. It takes its time; the music maintaining that dreamy pace. Linus’ speech. Hell, after 58 years I still don’t really know what he’s saying, but the image of that spotlight lit school stage and his calm reassuring voice… “That’s what Christmas means, Charlie Brown.” And with those words I’m able to do another 365 days.
(Another lovely piece of holiday music of note is Howard Blake’s achingly melancholic score for the 1982 adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beautiful “The Snowman”.)
I think, somewhere in the recesses of my tiny abode, I have the cassette version of the record of which you speak. I'm sure I upgraded to a CD at some point. It was in constant rotation before things like XM and such.
"Writing about music is obtuse and sort of self-defeating in a way. You probably can’t do it well and I know damn well that I can’t." I call bullshit. This is one of the best things you've written. It's different than what you normally do and it's fantastic. More please. More about music/recordings/in this tone. Andy Merry Christmas!
For over 20 years now I have listened to only 2 Xmas CDs...
Guaraldi's, which is absolute magic....we put it on repeat on Christmas morning as the kids are diving into their gifts....
...and Elvis....where the king leers the immortal line...."Well, you be a reeeeaaaal good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town.....", sounding hilariously filthy......
The space between the notes is my favorite- I love how it takes its time, but doesn't overstay its welcome. My kid has been playing double bass for almost four years and I have been absolutely WAITING for him to get to this music. He's not used to the timing because he's used to orchestra, but knows it so well from us playing it every year. It is pretty cool :)
Vince Guaraldi. Woof. That music. That sublime softness. Doesn’t sound a thing like Christmas music and yet, it sounds like the most Christmasy music ever. That soft tinkling of “Christmastime Is Here” melts the heart, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t exist without the images; that crude animation. Only a handful of jazz enthusiasts will ever hear it. But the images glow with it. What a gentle buzz. Watching the special in 2023 is a soothing balm, a stop-and-just-sit-for-24-minutes respite from what life has become. It takes its time; the music maintaining that dreamy pace. Linus’ speech. Hell, after 58 years I still don’t really know what he’s saying, but the image of that spotlight lit school stage and his calm reassuring voice… “That’s what Christmas means, Charlie Brown.” And with those words I’m able to do another 365 days.
(Another lovely piece of holiday music of note is Howard Blake’s achingly melancholic score for the 1982 adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beautiful “The Snowman”.)
Hope your holidays are Holly and Jolly indeed!
I think, somewhere in the recesses of my tiny abode, I have the cassette version of the record of which you speak. I'm sure I upgraded to a CD at some point. It was in constant rotation before things like XM and such.
"Writing about music is obtuse and sort of self-defeating in a way. You probably can’t do it well and I know damn well that I can’t." I call bullshit. This is one of the best things you've written. It's different than what you normally do and it's fantastic. More please. More about music/recordings/in this tone. Andy Merry Christmas!
Love everything about this, thank you! Merry Merry 🎄