Vince Guaraldi: "Oh, Good Grief" (1968/2025) CD Review

Would those Peanuts television specials be as beloved without Vince Guaraldi's music? Not a chance. The music is a large part of their appeal. As children, we had no idea that we had become jazz fans while watching those shows. But we had. And we remain so to this day. And we seize every opportunity we get to revisit that music, not just because it's great music, but because it returns us to a time of innocence and joy, to a time of friendship and play. And it should be clear to everyone (everyone who is not a fascist cult member, at least) that we need that now. In 1968 (itself a dark and tumultuous year), Vince Guaraldi had left Fantasy and signed with Warner Bros., and his first release on that label was a return to his Peanuts music. Oh Good Grief! featured new recordings of some of the great themes. Now the album has been remastered by Michael Graves at Osiris Studio, and is getting a new release, both on CD and vinyl. This re-issue contains new liner notes by Derrick Bang.

The album opens with a wild, lively, delicious rendition of "Linus And Lucy" that features harpsichord, an instrument used throughout the album. And there is of course plenty of great stuff on piano. This rendition goes in some unexpected places, while that wonderful theme remains intact. Is it ridiculous to say that this rendition rocks? Well, it does, and it is great fun. I wish it went on a bit longer. Actually, I wish it went on a lot longer. Wouldn't it be great to remain in the world of this music? It is followed by "You're In Love, Charlie Brown," the title track to a Peanuts special that first aired in 1967. No official soundtrack had been released to accompany that special, which is part of the reason for this album's existence. The song is a sweet dance. Don't you want to waltz your way through this life, through this world? This music presents the possibility of life being wonderful. There is a great amount of joy to the playing here, and I particularly love the drumming. "Peppermint Patty" is another piece featured in You're In Love, Charlie Brown, so another that was fairly new at the time of this album's original release. This track has a kind of easygoing vibe. Life is good, right? That is the sense we get while listening, anyway. Then there are some cool changes halfway through, as the piece moves into a more focused, pointed section. That section is a bit repetitive, and it goes on for a while, but I love it.

It's strange to think that a soundtrack to It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was not released when the special first aired, for it is, along with A Charlie Brown Christmas, one of the most popular of all the Peanuts shows. But, shockingly, that soundtrack wasn't released until 2018. So the version of "Great Pumpkin Waltz" included on this album was the first one release. It's a beautiful, dreamy number. Vince Guaraldi's piano work here works to make us feel relaxed, feel at home in the world, and even happy to be here. And that is something these days when people have become beasts. Perhaps this music can set us back on a better path. This track also features some wonderful work on guitar. This is a personal favorite of mine. It is followed by "It's Your Dog, Charlie Brown," the title track to a 1968 special. Actually, the special is titled He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown, and it's likely that the song was supposed to be titled that too. But whatever the title, it's a light, fun number that will likely bring a smile to your face. For that reason, I wish it went on a bit longer.

"Oh, Good Grief," the album's title track, is a tune that was earlier included on the 1964 record Jazz Impressions Of A Boy Named Charlie Brown, a special version of which was just released on Record Store Day (I was unable to find a copy, but I am still hoping one will come my way). Then it was heard in He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown. This track has something of a bossa nova feel and is completely enjoyable. I especially love the piano work on this track, which has a classic, familiar feel, inviting to us to a magical dance. Then "Red Baron" comes from He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown. The version contained here is absolutely wonderful. It contains little hints of "Linus And Lucy" and features some good work on harpsichord. And in the second half, there is a delightful guitar lead. Again, everything feels right with the world when this music is playing. How can there be strife? It seems incongruous with the world created by this music. The album concludes with "Rain, Rain Go Away," a song that was included in Charlie Brown's All Stars, which aired in 1966. This track begins with a piano solo, one that contains possibilities and wonder. It is beautiful, but there is also a sense of loneliness about it just before the other instruments come in. And then that special sort of Charlie Brown melancholy is in full force. This track contains some excellent work on guitar (which plays largely in your left ear if you listen on headphones), and is another of the disc's highlights.

CD Track List

1. Linus And Lucy
2. You're In Love, Charlie Brown
3. Peppermint Patty
4. Great Pumpkin Waltz
5. It's Your Dog, Charlie Brown
6. Oh, Good Grief!
7. Red Baron
8. Rain, Rain Go Away

Oh, Good Grief! is scheduled to be released on May 30, 2025 through Omnivore Recordings.