The Definitive Vince Guaraldi

Performer: Vince Guaraldi
Producer: Nick Phillips (Compilation)
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Vince Guaraldi (piano). Liner Note Author: Doug Ramsey. As part of the Fantasy DEFINITIVE series, pianist and composer Vince Guaraldi is spotlighted on 31 tracks recorded for the label between 1955 and 1966. This noteworthy compilation focuses not only on Guaraldi as the composer of songs from the CHARLIE BROWN television cartoon, but as a versatile jazz pianist. The Peanuts themes make up eight tracks while the remainder of the set blends music from the LPs JAZZ IMPRESSIONS OF BLACK ORPHEUS, THE LATIN SIDE OF VINCE GUARALDI, VINCE GUARALDI TRIO, VINCE & BOLA (AND FRIENDS)/LIVE AT EL MATADOR, IN PERSON, and A FLOWER IS A LOVESOME THING. Collectors should take note of the two unreleased bonus tracks "Autumn Leaves" and "Blues for Peanuts," both from 1964. This double-disc compilation spotlights ten years of a well-rounded career.

Vince Guaraldi, the blithe and swinging pianist who will forever be associated with a certain bald-headed cartoon character, paid his dues in the storied haunts of the 1950s jazz scene. Working as an intermission pianist for Art Tatum and a sideman for Cal Tjader, he honed the whimsical, buoyant style that would become his trademark. During a busy period of session work in the early '60s, a b-side of his called "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" was discovered by a local DJ, and became a Grammy-winning hit. It was at about this time that he scored the first Charlie Brown television special, which led to his writing the timeless and inventive theme for 1965's A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, featuring his signature tune "Linus and Lucy." Fourteen original TV scores followed, as well as other successful albums, but the franchise ended in 1976 when Guaraldi died suddenly of a heart attack at the too-young age of 47.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5