The San Francisco-based trio was first formed around 1954, then in a piano-guitar-bass configuration. Starting with the release of the group's self-titled debut album on Fantasy in 1956, Guaraldi would remain on the label for some time. Guaraldi's early recordings were decidedly low-key and morose compared to the work for which he would become famous, but his trademark melancholy and distinctive instrumental voicings, including his deep basslines, were indelible parts of his aesthetic framework from the very beginning.
Influenced by the Brazilian film Black Orpheus (1959)--whose soundtrack was a large part of the impending Bossa nova craze--the trio recorded the album Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus (1962), having by this point settled into their now familiar piano-bass-drums lineup. The album featured renditions of songs from the film, as well as a number of originals; one such song was "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" which would, within a year, become one of the most commercially successful jazz instrumentals of its time, notably winning a Grammy for Best Instrumental Song. Several vocal versions (with lyrics by Carel Werber) would also achieve significant success.
It was thanks to Guaraldi's hit song that he was discovered by Lee Mendelson who wanted him to write music for Peanuts animation. Guaraldi's first Peanuts assignment was the music for the ill-fated Schulz documentary A Boy Named Charlie Brown. Though the special was never aired and remained unavailable to the public for several decades, the music was released as the album Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1964). For later reissues, the album was retroactively renamed after the documentary.
Despite a troubled production process, 1965 saw the premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guaraldi's ground-breaking amalgamation of Christmas music and his own unique brand of jazz was an inexorable part of the special's unforeseen success; the soundtrack, featuring originals alongside Guaraldi's interpretations of standards, continues to amass impressive sales even now. One of the songs from the special, "Linus and Lucy" (featured in the special's famous "dancing scene"), would become the de facto theme of Peanuts animations, often mistakenly referred to as the "Peanuts Theme". Another song on the soundtrack, "Christmas Time Is Here" (with lyrics by Mendelson), has become a Christmas standard in its own right.
With the passing of the '60s, Guaraldi began experimenting more and more with different sonic textures for his music, having all but replaced his acoustic piano with various electronic keyboards, most notably the Fender Rhodes. Consequently, Guaraldi would, less and less, perform and record within the context of a trio. While it was never "officially" disbanded, and Guaraldi still used this configuration from time to time, the group inevitably dissolved upon Guaraldi's untimely death in 1976.
Peanuts specials made subsequent to his death often reuse Guaraldi's recordings, or original music inspired heavily by Guaraldi's iconic scores; a testament to his importance to the identity of Peanuts. More importantly, generations of people have cited Guaraldi's inventive and playful jazz as their formative experience with the genre, imbuing a spark of the love of jazz in untold numbers of listeners that only seem to increase the more time goes by.
Christmas Time Is Here (Intru
Vince Guaraldi Trio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
The Vince Guaraldi Trio's song "Christmas Time Is Here" is a nostalgic and joyful tribute to the holiday season. The song beautifully captures the festive atmosphere of Christmas and highlights the happiness and cheer that it brings. The lyrics remind listeners of the fun and magic of the holiday season, particularly for children who eagerly anticipate its arrival.
The first verse of the song describes the various symbols associated with Christmas, such as snowflakes and carols. The mention of "olden times and ancient rhymes" emphasizes the timeless and traditional nature of the holiday, evoking feelings of warmth and familiarity.
The second verse highlights the beauty of Christmas, with sleigh bells ringing and joyful memories being made around the fireside. The lyrics express a desire to hold onto the spirit of Christmas beyond the holiday season and to carry it with us throughout the year.
Overall, "Christmas Time Is Here" is a beautiful and timeless celebration of the holiday season, capturing its magic and wonder in a heartfelt and uplifting way.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas time is here
The season of joy and love has arrived.
Happiness and cheer
Everyone is happy and in high spirits during the holiday season.
Fun for all that children call
Christmas is a favorite time for children because they can have fun and enjoy themselves.
Their favorite time of the year
Children wait all year for Christmas because it's their favorite holiday.
Snowflakes in the air
The weather is cold and snowy during Christmas time.
Carols everywhere
People sing Christmas songs in every corner of the town.
Olden times and ancient rhymes
There are many old and traditional songs and stories associated with the holiday season.
Of love and dreams to share
These songs and stories are about love, kindness, and the hopes and dreams of people during the holiday season.
Sleigh bells in the air
You can hear the gentle jingling of bells as holiday festivities go on around you.
Beauty everywhere
The town is beautifully decorated with lights, ornaments, and other festive decorations during Christmas.
Yuletide by the fireside
People like to gather together by the fireplace during the cold winter nights of Christmas time.
And joyful memories there
These gatherings create many happy memories that will last a lifetime.
We'll be drawing near
As Christmas approaches, people come closer to their loved ones and family members.
Oh, that we could always see
If only we could maintain the same level of joy, love, and togetherness throughout the year.
Such spirit through the year
The Christmas spirit of love, kindness, and togetherness is something we should all strive to maintain and celebrate year-round.
Lyrics © LEE MENDELSON FILM PROD., INC., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lee Mendelson, Vince Guaraldi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind