The Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet will present “A Guaraldi Holiday” at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on December 22, 2023. The event, co-hosted by Vail Jazz, will feature two performances celebrating the jazz compositions of Vince Guaraldi, renowned for his musical contributions to the beloved “Peanuts” cartoon specials.
Acclaimed pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson will lead the quartet alongside tenor saxophonist Julian Lee, drummer Matthew Lee, and upright bassist Sebastian Rios. Thompson, a graduate of The Juilliard School, returns to Vail after a transformative experience at the Vail Jazz Workshop in 2014. Anneliese Swift, executive director of Vail Jazz, highlighted how the workshop significantly impacted Thompson’s musicianship and creative expression.
Thompson has emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, earning accolades for his emotive piano style and innovative compositions. “He embodies exactly what the Vail Jazz Workshop is about: nurturing young artists, supporting their growth, and welcoming them back to inspire our community,” Swift remarked.
The quartet’s performance promises to evoke nostalgia while presenting Guaraldi’s familiar melodies in a contemporary light. Thompson expressed his commitment to capturing the essence of Guaraldi’s music, aiming to ignite the festive spirit through jazz interpretations of holiday classics.
Vince Guaraldi played a pivotal role in introducing jazz to younger audiences through his compositions for the “Peanuts” specials, including those celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Thompson noted, “Many people say they don’t like jazz, but they love Charlie Brown and Vince Guaraldi, so I would encourage them to reconsider that opinion.”
His album, “A Guaraldi Holiday,” released two years ago, served as a homage to the composer, supported by a full band. Thompson reflected on Guaraldi’s ability to make jazz accessible and enjoyable for all ages. “He made it palatable for general audiences. The producers of the Charlie Brown specials valued his jazz playing and wanted to keep it authentic,” he stated.
In Thompson’s view, Guaraldi is a “trojan horse for jazz,” effectively introducing the genre to families and children without diluting its essence. “What’s special about this time of year is the joy of playing his music,” he said, highlighting the chemistry and history he shares with his fellow musicians, who he has known since their days at Juilliard.
The quartet will perform selections that maintain the spirit of Guaraldi’s original compositions, though some arrangements will feature modern interpretations. “We aim to embody the spirit in which Guaraldi wrote, while also bringing our own flair,” Thompson explained. “Jazz should feel active and participatory; that’s the essence of modern jazz.”
Thompson hopes the audience will fully engage with the performance, experiencing the holiday spirit that Guaraldi’s music so beautifully encapsulates. “Vail is a community that truly values music,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of jazz in cultural appreciation.
For those interested in attending, “A Guaraldi Holiday” will take place at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on December 22. Tickets are priced at $84.75 for general admission and $133 for reserved seating, though both ticket types are currently sold out. This performance is part of the Pick 3/5 Ticket Package offered by the Vilar Center.
For additional details and updates, visit VilarPAC.org.
