Sam Pankey

Sean Michael Giddings: Red Willow

by Dan McClenaghan
June 2, 2021

Keyboardist Sean Michael Giddings cites pianist Vince Guaraldi, the composer of the Charles Schultz Peanuts cartoon soundtracks (among other things), as one of his influences. Guaraldi is joined in that “sphere of influence" club by the usual suspects—Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett--who all play a part in Giddings' sound. But Guaraldi's spirit—the accessible lyricism, the bright, memorable melodies, the sense of fun—seems to loom largest on Giddings debut piano trio outing, Red Willow. “Opening Scene" opens this ...