I came across this great article on Pop Matters that analyzes the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. Here Will Layman talks about the soundtrack’s origins and success, including my own favourite, “Christmastime Is Here.” He even contends that it is the most well known and universally loved jazz albums ever. And I cannot disagree. More people will recognize the music to this than they would to that of even Miles or Coltrane. And while its’ a far cry from A Love Supreme, nor does it hold a candle to anything Duke Ellington, Mingus or Monk ever wrote, I could listen to this record any time of year.
For other interesting X-Mas albums this year, check out this list NPR compiled.