Acclaimed pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson offers jazz lovers a spirit-lifting gift this holiday season, announcing the release of A Guaraldi Holiday (Outside In Music/Jazz Bird Records) on December 1. A tribute to the eclectic music of Vince Guaraldi – work which served as a both an introduction to jazz, and as a childhood soundtrack for generations of music lovers, Thompson included – the invigorating set was co-produced by Thompson with John Pizzarelli and features 12 fresh tracks, each one an exercise in nostalgic expressionism.
While the full set is due on December 1 – just as the Christmas season arrives – early singles include the October release of “Great Pumpkin Waltz,” and the recent double single reveal of “Thanksgiving Theme” and “Little Birdie.”
While the full set is due on December 1 – just as the Christmas season arrives – early singles include the October release of “Great Pumpkin Waltz,” and an upcoming double single reveal of “Thanksgiving Theme” and “Little Birdie.” A New Jersey native and exciting young talent, Thompson has spent the last five years emerging as an up-and-coming pianist, bandleader and composer, and has now been embraced by Jazz fans and tastemakers alike.
Next month, just days before the release of the album, Thompson will join an all-star cast consisting of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman, and more to perform at New York City’s fabled Carnegie Hall in celebration of Rafael Viñoly on November 28. Read more about the performance here.
