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 musical journey through the brief life and times of the celebrated composer who pioneered the crossover of jazz and pop music -- from his celebrated scores for the Peanuts animations, to his mega-hit Cast Your Fate To The Wind, his nights in San Francisco's North Beach at the hungry i, and his ground breaking Jazz Mass at Grace Cathedral. Including recently discovered and restored footage of Guaraldi's appearances and recording sessions (captured by noted jazz writer and Rolling Stone co-founder Ralph J. Gleason), the film features new performances and insights from Dave Brubeck, Dick Gregory, George Winston, Jon Hendricks, Paul Krassner, Paul Mazursky and many more.

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

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.