CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The first of more than a dozen local live performances of the music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” kicks off next Saturday.
Nearly 60 years ago, young Americans watched for the first time in wonder as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” made its television debut and introduced us to Snoopy and his gang. It became an instant holiday classic.
The show’s soundtrack is just as iconic.
Each holiday season, local pianist Chris White and his group, the Chris White Trio, perform the soundtrack live throughout the area. Accompanied by a small choir, White’s added narration provides the audience with the origin story of pianist Vince Guaraldi's famous arrangements. His name might not be as recognizable as Snoopy, Charlie Brown, or Linus, but the music was for many their first exposure to straight ahead Jazz.
“Vince Guaraldi’s music perfectly captures the essence of the show,” White said.
For many, Guaraldi's arrangements have long taken on a character of their own.
“With its melancholy mood and sense of nostalgic longing, it was a gamble to use his jazzy waltz “Christmas Time is Here” in a cartoon. But, It became another hit from the show and a Christmas standard,” White noted.
The Chris White Trio will begin their concert series next Saturday, Dec. 2 at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights and Fitzgeralds in Berwyn.
For a list of complete concert dates and ticket information, click here.
The Chris White Trio features: White on piano, Sean Jacobi on bass, and Ryan Jacobi on drums. Sean Archer, Madi Torruella and Christy Bennett compose the choir. The trio also includes appearances by Joe Policastro and Mike Benning on bass, as well as Kurt Lubbe and Joe Adamik on drums.
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