Artist: Vince Guaraldi
Title: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown [50th Anniversary Extended Version] (Vince Guaraldi Film Productions)
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Tell me more: Although it has been 50 years since the beloved "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" debuted on CBS-TV, composer-pianist Vince Guaraldi's full score has finally been issued via an expanded 30-track edition available on audio CD, vinyl and via streaming services; the title includes the complete 22 cue score and eight never-before-heard bonus tracks. Guaraldi layers his Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano to bolster his signature jazz sound, and his own artistry is enhanced by a trio completed by Seward McCain (electric bass) and Vince Lateano (drums).
Among my favorite selections on the wonderful collection are the playfully uptempo "Paw Pet Overture," wistful "Freddie's Mood (Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major, Op.9 No.2)," emotive "Never Again," a decidedly alternative take on "Linus and Lucy," the jazzy delight "Last Call for Love," and a number of alternate versions of his memorable "Heartburn Waltz."
The CD includes an 8-page insert, and the vinyl includes a 4-page insert. Both the CD and vinyl include art from the special and liner notes that give a track-by-track analysis by producer Sean Mendelson and notes by producer Jason Mendelson and Derrick Bang (author of "Vince Guaraldi at the Piano"). The vinyl has additional photographs and images from historical documents.
For more information on the CD version, go HERE. For details on the vinyl edition, go HERE.