Zacchae’us Paul releases cover of Vince Guaraldi’s ‘Christmas Time is Here’

Zacchae’us Paul released his cover of the Vince Guaraldi classic, “CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE” from the iconic 1965 TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas".  The beloved Guaraldi scores of the Charlie Brown specials have become timeless jazz standards, cherished by generations of listeners and now reimagined through Paul's fresh, contemporary lens. 

LISTEN TO "CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE" - HERE

Produced and engineered by Paul and featuring him on rhodes, synth, keybass, and vocals, with support from Austin Marlow on drums, the track is a heartfelt reinterpretation, breathing fresh energy into a beloved Christmas classic with a modern spirit.

Last month Paul released his take on another Guaraldi classic, “THE GREAT PUMPKIN WALTZ”. Before that he dropped his deeply personal  “TOO MANY GUNS” which contemplates the aftermath of gun violence, “where shattered bottles and haunting echoes fill the streets.”  The song captures the tragic cycle of death and decay in Black neighborhoods, highlighting the pain and loss that follow each gunshot, and a poignant reminder of school shootings that have become all too common.

In July, Paul released his full length album JAZZ MONEY with storied and recently relaunched Jazz label Candid Records. Zacchae’us’ music is a fresh take on jazz, blending Atlanta hip-hop, gospel, and Caribbean rhythms. With influences from his upbringing in Atlanta and studies in Puerto Rico, Paul crafts a youthful and thoughtful sound. Tracks from the album have been callouted out and playlisted by the likes NPR, and Jazziz, and most recently on Gilles Peterson’s influential BBC Radio 6 show.

Paul's musical journey began in his childhood home studio, influenced by his step-father and experiences in church. His exploration of jazz intensified after discovering Duke Ellington, leading him to pursue music beyond the church community, later studying in Puerto Rico to expand his musical horizons. He has performed with Terri Lyne Carrington, Melanie Charles, Henry Cole andSaunders Sermons (Jay Z, Fantasia, Maxwell) all of whom are featured on Jazz Money.

In January of this year, Zacchae’us played a packed show at Brooklyn’s Baby’s Alright during NYC Winter Jazzfest. where Giovanni Russonello of the New York Times singled Zacchae’us out as an artist to watch calling him the “biggest surprise of the weekend.”  Paul has also recently been announced as a performer at the 2025 NYC Winter Jazzfest.  Details to follow.