While the Apocalypse – Blog

A Charlie Brown Christmas uses a cast of amateur child voice actors, deals with the theme of seasonal depression, and culminates in the recitation of a Bible verse, all to a jazz score. It was not, safe to say, the special that CBS had expected, to say nothing of its sponsor, the Coca-Cola Company. In all likelihood, it would have been canceled, but seeing as it had already been announced and promoted (and in any case, was completed only a few days before it was scheduled to air), the show went on. In the event, not only did it please the viewers of America, it went on to become one of the most beloved pieces of Christmas animation — and that jazz score went on to become one of the most beloved Christmas albums.

In the new Digging the Greats video above, bassist Brandon Shaw breaks down some of the distinguishing characteristics of Vince Guaraldi’s score, with help from drummer Ryan Shaw (not just Brandon’s brother, but also a musician with his own direct connection to Peanuts productions) and pianist Jonté Moore.

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