Most people associate the late pianist Vince Guaraldi with his classic Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. But, there was also a more obscure Charlie Brown TV Special, It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown, and it’s finally available.
The most fascinating aspect of it is that, while Guaraldi is backed by his usual bassist Monty Budwig as well as drummer Jack Sperling, this time around he’s backed by a larger jazz orchestra led by John Scott Trotter. The guest list is impressive, with a brass section including Conte Candoli, Pete Condoli/Frank Rosolino, guitarist Herb Ellis, percussionist Victor Feldman and William Hood with Pete Christlieb on woodwinds. The result is some rich flute work on “Linus and Lucy” , a pretty Latin title tune, a swaying 6/8 groove on “Bus Blues”, and the horns upbeat on “Oh, Good Grief!”. The saxes are hip for “Freda (With The Naturally Curly Hair)” and Guaraldi is suave on the swinging “Peppermint Patty”. This one is a real treat! Where’s it been hiding?