Vinyl Reissue of Vince Guaraldi's Beloved Scores Announced
Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) is breathing new life into Vince Guaraldi's cherished jazz compositions with a series of vinyl releases slated for Record Store Day 2025. Known for crafting the memorable scores of the classic Peanuts TV specials from the 1960s and '70s, LMFP has unearthed previously unreleased gems from Guaraldi's extensive archives. The latest offering, the soundtrack for It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!, marks the first time this beloved score is available in album form. Featuring 25 original cues distilled into 19 tracks, the release faithfully captures the authentic Guaraldi sound, enhanced by meticulous mastering at 45 RPM to ensure superior fidelity.
The It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! LP will be available as a limited, numbered edition of 2,000 purple vinyl copies. Additionally, an eco-conscious version is offered on 180-gram BioVinyl, a sustainable material made using recycled cooking oil instead of petroleum. This release showcases Guaraldi's diverse instrumentation, including clavinet, ARP String Ensemble, electric harpsichord, and guitar, delivering a rich and melodious listening experience. The album is complemented by a special “Woodstock Medley,” recorded by original sidemen Mike Clark and Seward McCain alongside pianist David Benoit, extending the album to approximately 30 minutes of 1960s-styled jazz.
Craft Recordings, the boutique arm of Concord Music responsible for Guaraldi’s Fantasy Records catalog, is also participating in Record Store Day 2025 with a special release of Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown: Alternate Takes. This edition includes alternate versions of tracks from the original 1964 album, providing listeners with insights into Guaraldi's creative process. Pressed on sky-blue vinyl and mastered by GRAMMY-winning engineer Paul Blakemore, the limited run of 3,400 copies features studio chatter and different approaches to classic pieces like “Linus and Lucy” and “Schroeder,” offering a fresh perspective on these timeless compositions.
Both releases emphasize high-quality production standards, with pressing lacquers expertly cut by Matthew Lutthans at Cohearent Audio. Pricing for It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! is set at $29.99, while Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown: Alternate Takes is available between $25.00 and $31.00, depending on the retailer. Collectors and audiophiles can anticipate an exceptional addition to their vinyl collections, celebrating the enduring legacy of Vince Guaraldi's music.
Record Store Day 2025 promises to be a significant event for fans of Guaraldi and jazz enthusiasts alike, offering rare and high-fidelity recordings that honor the artistic brilliance of a legendary composer. These meticulously crafted releases not only preserve but also enhance the musical heritage of Vince Guaraldi, ensuring his melodies continue to resonate with new generations of listeners.