The Charlie Brown Suite & Other Favorites

Charles Schulz and his comic strip creation have been subjected to analyses that would send Lucy screaming from her "Psychiatric Help" stand. There may have been only one other person who understood the characters at the same depth as their creator, and that was Vince Guaraldi, whose music became permanently linked to the world of Charlie Brown and his friends after the first few years of Guaraldi-scored tv specials.The first two numbers on this album, "Linus and Lucy" and the "Charlie Brown Theme" are frequently anthologized standards, but these arrangements are unique. The first features a brass underscore with the familiar piano theme; the second has additional instrumentation as well that gives it a somewhat "mod," late '60s edge.If these non-traditional arrangements catch the listener off-guard, biggers surprises are yet to come. The "Charlie Brown Suite" starts out in a "lento" mood, with almost somber strains of "Ring Around the Rosy," suggesting loneliness if not alienation. The mood is dispelled momentarily by the familiar rumble of "Linus and Lucy"--a piano and full orchestra variation much different than brass version. The lonely narrative returns, to interweave with new arrangements of the "Charlie Brown Theme," "Pepperment Patty," "Rain Rain Go Away," and others.This was a "live" recording and it's easy to hear music pages fluttering. The audience is a presence, reacting hesitantly, occasionally interrupting with applause (and quickly halting like a hushed child), ultimately providing a much deserved ovation as Charlie Brown seems to walk into the sunset with strains of "Linus and Lucy."This is an excellent and rewarding musical treatment of Schulz's characters, an interpretation as deep as that of some of the better cartoons. This may not please those who've come to equate Guaraldi's themes with Christmas music, but it will intrigue and resonate with the audience that appreciates the complex undercurrents of Charles Schulz's great comic strip.

I really love this album, especially "Linus and Lucy With The Band." I first heard the track after a friend sent it to me, saying "I don't remember this from the movies, but it goes hard." That was certainly true and I liked the other Charlie Brown music I had heard, so I bought the album. I haven't been disappointed

Rare do you find original recordings that have not been digitally remastered in some way. This live 1968 San Francisco concert makes you feel like you're actually there...the ambience is complete. Guaraldi was a master and this recording takes you back in time to a wonderful era of Jazz - with the all the Peanuts charm & influence.

I love Vince Guaraldi, so I enjoy this album. But it's not a good place to start your Vince collection (for that get Greatest Hits or the Peanuts holiday special album). The songs are live interpretations of the Peanuts songs Guaraldi already made famous. I think it's great to hear the original artist put a (somewhat) new spin on his songs. Peppermint Patty and Happiness Is (a brooding interpretation of The Great Pumpkin Waltz) are the highlights of the record. And I'll buy any recording of Guaraldi doing Cast Your Fate to the Wind, which I think is one of the best songs ever written.But to be honest, the album really drags. Some of the tracks have gratuitous introductions. Making these classics longer doesn't always make them better. Linus and Lucy and The Charlie Brown Theme, which on another album goes by the title Oh Good Grief, are on here twice, and not to good effect. Plus, some of the recordings are pretty awful. That fact alone doesn't doom the record, but it doesn't help.If you already love these songs, buy this album. If you want Guaraldi's best, stay away.

I love Charlie Brown for a very long time. I finally can listen to the whole musical arrangement from the clips I remember when watching their programs. Its truly a good way to make it through the day.

Love jazz? Recorded live in S.F. Wonderful, inspired music!

This was a gift for my husband and he LOVES it!

Never before have I found a cartoon soundtrack to be so sophisticated.