Customer Reviews

Here's to You Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years

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David Benoit has proven himself a worthy successor to the Vince Guaraldi/Peanuts legacy. Vince passed away in the mid 70's, and in my opinion, some of the musical scores of the Peanuts television specials suffered afterwards, until David Benoit became associated with them and helped to return the classic jazz sound to the series. This is a wonderful tribute album on two different levels; to the genius of both Charles M. Schulz, and also to Mr. Guaraldi, the original "musical voice" of the Peanuts animated specials. For starters, David Benoit has once again re-recorded the popular "Linus and Lucy" theme. (It has previously appeared on his "This Side Up" album in 1985, and again, in a revised version, on the 1989 "Happy Anniversary Charlie Brown" album.....not to mention his own "Best of..." CD.) But this time around, the original Vince Guaraldi track forms the basis of the arrangement, with Benoit and Co. improvising over that recording. Great idea! Following that track are re-interpretations of tunes that should be familiar to anyone who was watched "Peanuts" on TV over the years. Everything is performed tastefully and with respect, and includes excellent performances from several "guest stars" in the jazz world. There are also two Benoit compositions on this CD, and it's interesting to see how well he mimics Guaraldi's style, even in the area of composing. Closing out the album is the song, "Happiness", from the Broadway musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", with Al Jarreau supplying the lead vocal. Will you be moved by this track? Good Grief, yes......

Being a long-time fan of Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" strip and of jazz, I was very happy to receive this CD as a gift. I had never heard of David Benoit, but after listening to this album over and over, I can say that he is a wonderful, wonderful piano player.

While this album, while looking at it, looks cheesy and very much like it's children's music, Benoit's piano trio (with Christian McBride on bass and Peter Erskine on drums, in case you have any doubts of the swinging-ness of this record) really has created a great jazz album and a fitting tribute to Vince Guaraldi and his music. Many of the cuts have special guests, too.

The album opens with (what else?) the always-recognized "Linus and Lucy," played beautifully by the trio and with Guaraldi's original piano track dubbed in. The trio also adds in a new, funky backbeat-style section in the middle.

"Charlie Brown Theme" is lesser-known, a medium-tempo song. While it is not my favorite, I still enjoy the calmness of it and Benoit's solo is pretty swinging.

"Pebble Beach" is an up-tempo bossa nova number with Marc Antoine joining the group on guitar. The tune is very catchy and it's fun to listen to. Good solos by Benoit and Antoine.

"Linus Tells Charlie," a slower tune, is given a beautiful texture with the addition of the muted trumpet sounds of Chris Botti. A very relaxing tune.

"Frieda" is one of my favorites, and it features Michael Brecker on tenor sax (he's pretty good, don't you think?). Killer solo by Brecker and the amazing chops of Benoit are featured here on this fun tune.

The gospel vocal group Take 6 is featured on Guaraldi's (and Lee Mendelson's) classic Christmas ode, "Christmastime is Here." A beautiful arrangement that makes you wish for winter.

"Getting Ready," the seventh cut, is the only song on the CD written by Benoit. It's a pretty straightforward tune that's more rock-ish than the rest. It grooves really hard, though, a fine example of the togetherness of this trio.

"Blue Charlie Brown" is a simple blues in F with Russell Malone on guitar. This is also the only tune where Erskine takes a solo (1 chorus before the out-head).

"Red Baron" is another one of my favorites. Marc Antoine reappears on guitar on this beautiful straight-8ths song. Great solos by all, and this song will stay with you forever, which is not a bad thing. Thanks to Guaraldi for a beautiful tune.

The closer, Clark Gesner's "Happiness" from the musical "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!" is punctuated with the soothing, swooning voice of Al Jarreau. A beautiful song and a beautiful arrangement to end a beautiful album with.

Whether you are 3 or 103 years old (or anywhere in between and beyond), this CD is for you. Peanuts fan, jazz fan, music fan...it's all here. A wonderful tribute to the memory of Vince Guaraldi--and great background music for reading the daily strip.

If you like Charlie Brown...if you like Vince Guaraldi...if you like David Benoit...you'll LOVE this CD! This is an excellent tribute to Charles Schultz, Peanuts, and the music of Vince Guaraldi. Any negative review comes from someone who just doesn't understand... This music will keep the vision and insight of Charles Schultz, and the genius of Vince Guaraldi alive for many years. Bravo, Mr. Benoit!

If you grew up watching the televised Charlie Brown specials as I did, then you'll be thoroughly enchanted as this adorable musical compilation whisks you back to those innocent years. The only thing that would make it more complete would be the voice-over, "Brought to you by the bakers of Dolly Madison donuts and cakes." I smile every time I listen to it. Thank you, David Benoit.

It's always strange for me to hear reproductions of a work where the original needs no improvement. I have tremendous respect for these musicians, and yes, they play some great solos over the changes, but the album is basically just a recreation of tracks from the EXCELLENT Vince Guaraldi Trio records. My personal favorite is "Linus tells Charlie" which features some very sensitive trumpet from Chris Botti, but otherwise this records is just a little off, and I find myself listening only to the originals these days. The original band with Vince on piano just grooves better, and although from a recording perspective is sonically slightly inferior (they were probably mixing for TV) something about those original performances seem more emotional...is it just nostalgia?

If you are looking for some FANTASTIC recreations of old TV music (e.g. little rascals, looney tunes, etc...) by newer bands, check out the Beau Hunks' material. Superb playing and excellent attention to classic details and nuances of the original scores.

David Benoit's latest album pays tribute to two great men who sadly no longer with us, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, and jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. The music that Vince Guaraldi composed for the Peanuts specials has not only endured but has gotten even better with age. Benoit is accompanied by bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Peter Erskine who provide tight support for Benoit's melodic playing. The album features great cameos from Chris Botti, Michael Brecker, and Al Jarreau. One of the best jazz releases of 2000, so far.

I'm a pretty big jazz buff and am skilled at the piano and drums. This CD is absolutely amazing. David Benoit is almost better than Vince Guaraldi, but nobody beats Vince. I love the twists Benoit takes to the classic songs and how he performs them with guests. Peanuts always takes me back to my childhood and this album does just the same; a wonderful 50 minutes of classic quartet jazz.

Cannot recommend this CD enough! If you enjoy jazz you will not be disappointed.

I purchased this CD under the "lie" of telling my wife that I wanted it for our 3 year old daughter...secretly though, it was for me! LOL.... I get the feeling that the fact that I listen to it so much has given my sin away to her, but yet she still says nothing! I have to admit though, if I was going to use a 3 year old to GET a CD...this was the one to use that on. In all seriousness, this CD is fully enjoyable and as far as tributes go, this is one of the best I've heard. This one takes you back to your childhood if "Peanuts" was a part of that! Great one!

This is one of my favorite CDs - it is happy music, relaxing music and good memory music. I've also given this CD as a gift to many of my friends who also adore it. Little kids especially like to dance to it - and what a great way to expose older kids to the great art of jazz. I highly recommend this CD.