Derrick Bang, Vince Guaraldi at the Piano (McFarland)
There was much more to Vince Guaraldi (1928-1976) than “Cast Your Fate to the Wind†and his “Peanuts†television sound tracks. Bang’s substantial biography covers the pianist and composer’s life from his pre-Cal Tjader days through success with the vibraphonist’s jazz and Latin groups, his own trio, his collaborations with Bola Sete and the Charlie Brown connection that made him famous. He captures the balance between Guaraldi’s serious and humorous sides. Thorough research and interviews with dozens of persons who knew and worked with Guaraldi make this an engaging read. The book includes an extensive and detailed discography.