Acclaimed pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson offers a heartwarming holiday season gift with A Guaraldi Holiday.
Vince Guaraldi’s compositions for Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts specials including the timeless A Charlie Brown Christmas, served as both an introduction to jazz and a childhood soundtrack for generations. Thompson brings his own nostalgic yet refreshingly personal perspective to these enduring classics.
Thompson, the 2023 recipient of the American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz, is one of today’s most in-demand jazz musicians. The Juilliard-trained pianist, bandleader, and composer has performed with leading artists including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, John Pizzarelli, Steve Turre, and Catherine Russell. Thompson’s recording debut appeared on Handful of Keys with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Marsalis, marking the arrival of a major new voice in contemporary jazz.
“For so many people, I believe Vince Guaraldi may have been their introduction to great music and to jazz.” – Isaiah J. Thompson