Here's to You Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years
Joined by bassistChristian McBrideand drummerPeter Erskinein an acoustic-trio format, pianist David Benoit stitches together a modest but appealing ode to the music ofVince Guaraldiand the cartoon character that affected both of their careers. Half the compositions that make upHere's to Youappear on Guaraldi's 1964 television soundtrackA Boy Named Charlie Brown. It's actually Guaraldi's original trio you hear during the opening 50 seconds of "Linus and Lucy," until Benoit's threesome splices in its own improvisation. A bit brief at 42 minutes, the package is nevertheless nicely understated and affectionately played. Some listeners would rather not have a holiday selection at the album's midpoint ("Christmas Time is Here," with harmonies by gospel actTake 6), but the intrusion is minor. Other guests includeChris Botti(adding a tasteful muted trumpet to a Benoit composition, "Linus Tells Charlie"),Michael Brecker(tenor sax on the swinging "Freda"), andAl Jarreauon the concluding "Happiness."--Terry Wood