The works of the popular jazz composer and pianist Vince Guaraldi were represented last night in this installment of 92^nd Street Y’s Jazz in July series.  Known by enthusiasts for his classic recording Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus, his most popular claim to fame might be his music for TV’s animated Charlie Brown Specials.

Interspersed with a multitude of his major instrumental hits were vocal selections sung by Carol Woods (pictured).  Her warm stage presence and easy demeanor made her a stand out in an evening full of instrumental wizards such as Houston Person on tenor sax, Joe Locke on vibes, Freddie Bryant on guitar and the program’s artistic director, pianist Bill Charlap.  Charlap built the evening in a layered fashion – adding one musician to the fold, piece by piece, culminating with Miss Woods’ appearance.

Woods started her set with “Happiness” from You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.  Clark Gesner’s gently wise lyrics, although sung by children, reflect that it is often the simplest of things that fulfill us.  Ms. Woods put that across in her delicate yet powerful and soulful fashion.  She ranges from quiet falsetto to full out gospel “wail” with ease.  For an unknown reason, a few notes here and there strayed off pitch, but she quickly came home to hit her mark.  She poignantly vocalized “Christmas Time is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas and finished her contributions with “Little Birdie” — the bird being Snoopy’s pal, Woodstock.  She “funked” up the latter with a nice trading of “licks” with Person.

A trio (Charlap, the bass and the drummer) did a swinging "Great Pumpkin Waltz," and they ended the show with a spirited version of Guaraldi's signature "Linus & Lucy," which featured an audience-rousing extended solo from the percussionist.

This very pleasant and well-rounded program could have been more fun in a relaxed, outdoor venue, such as Tanglewood, or a small, informal club, than a restrictive auditorium. Sean Smith on bass, Willie Jones III on drums and Daniel Sadownick on percussion filled out the stellar band.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
July 28, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org