Ah Christmas time.

Yes, I said the word ‘Christmas’.

Alert the ACLU!!! Release the hounds!!! Go screw yourself!!!

I for one am always surprisingly happy when the day after thanksgiving arrives and “Christmas time” officially begins.

Pondering Christmas day at my parents’ house toasty with the buzz of Irish coffee, looking forward to the inevitable snowfall and sparkling transformation of downtown Denver into a twinkling nighttime jewel and even.. gasp.. Christmas music.

Well, not just any Christmas music.

The one and only disc that saves the whole genre.
If you grew up in America like me, chances are good you spent one night of the Christmas season every year watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (unless you’re Glenn, poor deprived boy ).

For me, it was a milemarker on the road to gifts and a Christmas afternoon snowball fight with my sister and the neighborhood kids.

Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack for the TV special not only stands the test of time as the best Christmas album, but in my opinion one of the best jazz albums ever as well.

The simple, smooth blend of piano, double bass, drums, and on some tracks, a children’s chorus providing vocals is almost hypnotic in its ability to relax and soothe me.

During the hectic holiday season, finding a bit of zen can be as simple as firing up this album, settling into a comfy chair, and sipping some hot buttered brandy.

It’s currently 18 degrees outside, and the snow has transformed the view from my downtown window into a winter wonderland.

I’m actually anxious for my commute into work, thanks to the prospect of spending some time on the light rail with Vince Guaraldi, Charlie Brown, and the best Christmas album of all time.

Highly recommended.

Check it out now:

iTunes

Amazon

Technorati Tags: Christmas music, new chirstmas music, jazz music, christmas jazz, holiday music, holiday jazz album, piano, christmas, charlie brown