Vince Guaraldi - Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus

Among the early '60s wave of American jazzmen entranced by Brazilian music, none proved more ebullient than pianist Vince Guaraldi, whose homage to a 1959 film retelling the Orpheus myth as an underclass Rio de Janeiro romance proved a sleeper hit. With Guaraldi's fleet, always rhythmic piano driving these concise trio settings, Black Orpheus remains a seductive delight, probing the then-exotic push and pull of samba with glee, but leaving ample room for more contemplative ballads that remain deeply affecting more than three decades after the album's release. Luis Bonfa's and Antonio Carlos Jobim's music was the seed for the project, yielding a percolating "Samba de Orpheus" and the haunting ballad, "Manha de Carnaval," but the album's best-known performance remains Guaraldi's own wistful and swinging "Cast Your Fate to the Wind." A surprise single hit in 1965, the song would later receive a more expansive pop cover, but it's Guaraldi's original that remains the superior performance--a wordless romantic reverie that speaks volumes in Guaraldi's tender verses, muscular choruses, and romping bridge. --Sam Sutherland Amazon.com

Hold the Peanuts

Vince Guaraldi cranks out music like few others. What makes him special? Aside from his trademark "crushed tone thirds," he delivers at multiple levels. I can be swept away by the joy, bouncing with the beat, or running to my piano room to practice when I hear this CD. There are no lulls. Guaraldi's playing, masterful as it is, is all about the listener's experience, not about the player's chops. If you've enjoyed hearing him you-know-where, but want to experience him without thinking of you-know-what, he brings the same kind of positive energy to this CD as he did to the characters of you-know-who. April 18, 2007

Vince Guaraldi....A giant among jazz pianists

This item is absolutely wonderful. Wonderful interpretation of the Black Orpheus theme. I miss Vince Guaraldi since his early death. What a loss. But we have him on these old wonderful albums so we are blessed to be able to hear his fantastic talent. Try his Charlie Brown album & at Grace Cathedral. Two classics that I would also recommend. March 22, 2006

More Goodness

Our family enjoys the Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. This CD has several tracks that equal that performance February 24, 2006

Fantastic Fate

A wonderful cd. Cast Your Fate to the Wind is worth the price of admission alone. A joy to listen to. February 17, 2006

A Classic Album

"Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus" was the breakthrough album for Vince Guaraldi. It's a classic jazz trio playing in the then-popular bossa nova style. Mr. Guaraldi is a master of the piano, playing in a laid back, flowing style that is a joy to hear. People are most familiar with the mega-hit "Cast Your Fate To The Wind" but the other cuts are just as good and will haunt you for days after hearing them. All-in-all, a classic jazz album that belongs in every afficianado's collection. December 25, 2005

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