David Benoit

A musical celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Christmas classic. Hosted by Kristen Bell.

Dave Koz has been doing his Christmas tour for two decades now with talented friends and collaborators on a tour that brings 24 large production Christmas shows in 30 days! This year it will be the original core of the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas tour with David Benoit, Rick Braun, and Peter White. The CD features guest vocalists: Selina Albright, Javier Colon, Kenny Lattimore, Gabriel Orongo, and Jeffrey Osborne.

A strong representation of the current jazz fusion scene got together in july 1991 with this sampling of artists from the GRP label. They included frequent jazz-rock collaborator Ernie Watt, and David Benoit, master of a "jazz-lite" style. But guitarist Lee Ritenour is key man here: he calls most of the shots, and six of the eight pieces are his, including a fine tribute to early inspiration Wes Montgomery on "24th Street Blues." For the most part, easy-going and mellow are the watchwords on this program - not surprising since the players tend to be based in Los Angeles. Ritenour's "Etude" stands out for its creation of atmosphere, and so do Dave Valentin's solo melodic meanderings on a selection of wooden flutes backed by his own vocal effects. All elements considered the bill is a demonstration of top-drawer musicianship, awareness of contemporary styles – and versatility.

A short documentary about Vince Guaraldi, the composer most well known for his work on several 'Peanuts' animated television specials.