The Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet will take the stage at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek on December 22, 2023, to present “A Guaraldi Holiday.” This festive event, held in partnership with Vail Jazz, pays tribute to the renowned composer and pianist Vince Guaraldi, best known for his iconic music featured in the “Peanuts” television specials.
The concert features two performances at 18:00 and 20:30, showcasing the talents of Thompson, along with tenor saxophonist Julian Lee, drummer Matthew Lee, and upright bassist Sebastian Rios. This ensemble promises to deliver a nostalgic yet innovative interpretation of Guaraldi’s beloved compositions.
Thompson, who first honed his craft at the Vail Jazz Workshop in 2014, has emerged as a significant figure in contemporary jazz. According to Anneliese Swift, executive director of Vail Jazz, Thompson’s experience at the workshop was instrumental in shaping his musicianship and creativity. She emphasized, “He embodies exactly what the Vail Jazz Workshop is about: nurturing young artists and supporting their growth.”
Thompson’s performance aims to rekindle the spirit of the holidays through Guaraldi’s jazz classics. He reflected on how Guaraldi’s music has captivated audiences of all ages, stating, “A lot of people say they don’t like jazz, but they love Charlie Brown — they love Vince Guaraldi — so I would beg them to reconsider that opinion.”
The Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet seeks to reimagine these cherished holiday tunes by blending nostalgia with sophisticated improvisation. Thompson previously honored Guaraldi with his album, “A Guaraldi Holiday,” which showcases his ability to bridge generations through music.
The connection between Guaraldi’s compositions and the “Peanuts” characters is significant for Thompson. He remarked, “What’s amazing about Vince Guaraldi is, I don’t find that he changed the way he played for the cartoon.” This authenticity has made Guaraldi’s music accessible to a broader audience, turning him into a “trojan horse for jazz,” as Thompson aptly put it.
In preparing for the Vilar concerts, Thompson and his trio have focused on capturing the essence of Guaraldi’s work while introducing their unique arrangements. “It should have that spirit, and I hope the audience has a great time and really gets into the spirit of the holidays,” he expressed.
Thompson, alongside his bandmates who he has known since their time at Juilliard, is eager to share this special performance. He noted the importance of community in appreciating jazz, stating, “Vail is such a serious place about the music. Jazz is not appreciated as a part of the common culture as I believe it should be.”
For those interested in attending, tickets for “A Guaraldi Holiday” are priced at $84.75 for general admission and $133 for reserved seating, although both options are sold out for December 22. The concert is part of the Pick 3/5 Ticket Package and promises to be a delightful celebration of jazz that resonates with the holiday spirit.
For further information, visit VilarPAC.org.
