Following the passing of producer Lee Mendelson in December 2019, his children undertook an extensive search of archival materials in hopes of locating original music score recordings from the Peanuts television specials. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, they uncovered a collection of analog session tapes, recorded by Guaraldi for several of the specials. These recordings, long believed to be lost, comprised not only all of Guaraldi's music cues but also the arrangements by John Scott Trotter, including multiple alternate takes.[1]
The original session tapes feature unedited, complete recordings, originally captured and mixed in mono (the final Peanuts television soundtrack to be recorded in this format).[1] These recordings were later digitized in high resolution (192 kHz/24 bit) from 1/4-inch masters.[1]
Recording
The recording sessions for the It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown soundtrack, conducted on September 11 and 12, 1969, reflect Vince Guaraldi’s collaborative approach and the integration of a larger ensemble to create a more dynamic and varied score. These sessions took place under tight time constraints, as the soundtrack had to be completed and edited into the television special, which was set to air later that month.[8][9][1]
For this score, Guaraldi assembled a decet, a larger group of musicians compared to his earlier Peanuts soundtracks. Notable participants included trumpeters Conti and Pete Candoli, trombonist Frank Rosolino, woodwind players William Hood and Peter Christlieb, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Monty Budwig, drummer Jack Sperling, and percussionist Victor Feldman. This decet allowed Guaraldi to explore a more complex sound, incorporating brass, woodwinds, and percussion into the score. The result was a more vibrant and energetic musical backdrop that enhanced the special’s narrative.[8][9][1]
The score featured a combination of familiar themes from earlier Peanuts specials and new compositions written specifically for this production. While many of the cues were brief — ranging from 30 to 90 seconds — they were carefully composed and executed to support the animated scenes. One of the most significant reworkings of earlier material was "Linus and Lucy," which was arranged with greater complexity, featuring a call-and-response between Guaraldi’s piano and Ellis’ guitar. Similarly, "Oh, Good Grief!" was enhanced by the addition of horn sections, providing a fuller and more textured sound.[8][9][1]
Guaraldi also composed new pieces for the special, which showcased his continued experimentation within the jazz idiom. "Masked Marvel," written for Snoopy’s wrestling persona, was characterized by fast-paced piano runs, horn fanfares, and intricate percussion, while "Bus Blues," used during a sequence in which Snoopy imagines himself as a bus driver, demonstrated Guaraldi’s skill in creating rhythmically playful compositions. These new pieces were distinguished by their energy and complexity, reflecting the competitive and lively atmosphere of the summer camp setting in the special.[8][9][1]
The recording sessions were also notable for the involvement of conductor and arranger John Scott Trotter, who played a key role in orchestrating the score. Trotter’s arrangements contributed to the overall coherence of the soundtrack, ensuring that the music supported the narrative without overwhelming the dialogue or action. His orchestration of "Love Will Come (Bossa Nova)" was significant, as it introduced new sections that enhanced the emotional depth of the scene it accompanied.[8][9][1]
A distinctive feature of this soundtrack was Guaraldi’s decision to adopt a more collaborative approach to the music. In many cues, his piano served as harmonic and rhythmic support, while other musicians took on the primary melodic roles. The brass and woodwinds, in particular, were given prominence, adding a swing and dynamism that set this score apart from earlier Peanuts soundtracks.[8][9][1]
Release
It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown: Original Soundtrack Recording 55th Anniversary Edition debuted as a Record Store Day exclusive in 12" 45 RPM vinyl LP format on April 20, 2024. It was subsequently released to the general public on July 5, 2024, in CD and digital download formats. Additional "Camp Green" and "Summer Night Blue" vinyl color variants were also issued as Record Store Day Indie exclusives.[10]
Critical reception
It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown: Original Soundtrack Recording 55th Anniversary Edition was met with critical acclaim upon its release.
Jazzwise critic Simon Spillett observed that the musical cues are crafted as brief, yet sophisticated compositions, exemplified by the minute-long rendition of "Linus and Lucy". This piece, among others, demonstrates refined musicality through intricate flute solos and rhythmic interplay from the expanded ensemble, offering a fresh approach to Guaraldi’s classic themes. The ensemble’s interpretation of the Peanuts theme is particularly noteworthy, as it encapsulates the characters' distinctive personalities, with Victor Feldman’s vibraphone and the baritone saxophone effectively representing Peppermint Patty's character. In addition, the reprise of "You’re In Love, Charlie Brown" "catches nuances of the characters", featuring compelling solos from Feldman on vibraphone, Herb Ellis on guitar, and Guaraldi himself.[5]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Vince Guaraldi, except where noted
