JAZZ

Friday, December 2, 2011 7:30PM

Friday, December 2, 2011 10:00PM

It wouldn’t be the holiday season if David Benoit didn’t return to New York for a very special “Charlie Brown Christmas” show, Performing the Vince Guaraldi classics from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”!

DAVID BENOIT
Pianist, Composer, Conductor

Since launching his recording career in 1977, David Benoit’s expansive career as a contemporary jazz pianist has included over 25 solo recordings. His ‘80s releases This Side Up, Freedom at Midnight and the GRAMMY nominated Every Step of the Way are considered influential genre classics. Among his other Grammy nominations are those for Best Instrumental Composition (for “Dad’s Room,” from 1999’s Professional Dreamer) and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance (for the GRP All-Star Big Band).

Benoit’s prolific output since 2000 includes several prominent Charlie Brown related projects (including Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and the star-studded 40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas) that reflect his lifelong passion for the music of original Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi and solidify Benoit’s role as his musical heir.

The pianist has also released the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charting albums Fuzzy Logic, Right Here, Right Now, Full Circle and Heroes, which paid homage to the pianist’s top jazz and pop influences.

In 2010, David was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at The American Smooth Jazz Awards.