Oh, Good Grief!
Omnivore, 2025
8/10
You may not recognize the name Vince Guaraldi, but we’ve heard his work. The jazz pianist is responsible for the piano melody that we associate with Charlie Brown, and here we see his 1968 album reissued on CD and vinyl.
“Linus And Lucy” starts the listen, and it’s nice to hear it in its entirety, since we only get a taste of it on TV, where the unmistakable, rumbling keys instantly brings nostalgia from childhood.
“You’re In Love, Charlie Brown” follows with a brighter mood that’s subtly romantic, and the playful spirit of “Peppermint Patty” continues the fun with Carl Burnett’s frisky drums.
On the back half, the softer display of “Oh, Good Grief” offers elegance and warmth and benefits from Stanley Gilbert’s gentle bass, while “Red Barron” showcases Eddie Duran’s meticulous guitar lines that suit the graceful keys.
Guaraldi died very young, but his work will always be recognizable due to the Peanuts franchise, and this 10th album that also relies much on harpsichord sure sounds great after all these decades.
Travels well with: Dave Brubeck Trio- Live From Vienna 1967; Grant Green- Funk In France: From Paris To Antibes (1969-1970)