David Benoit & Niia: Candid Records Releases Two takes on a jazz Christmas

Few musicians are as closely tied to the sound of Peanuts as David Benoit. The GRAMMY-nominated pianist wrote for Peanuts TV specials from 1989 to 2006, and his 1985 “Linus & Lucy” became a landmark of contemporary jazz. His new album, out now digitally, puts the spotlight on another side of his work: Benoit as arranger and conductor, leading the Czech National Symphony Orchestra through Guaraldi’s best-loved scores.

Commissioned by the family of Peanuts producer Lee Mendelson, the record marks 75 years of Guaraldi’s musical legacy. It draws on A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, alongside “Just Like Me”, the song Benoit co-wrote with Mendelson.

A Vince Guaraldi Holiday Symphony is out digitally on October 30th, on CD & Vinyl on November 20th

Listen to the full Album HERE

Watch the video for "O Tannenbaum ft. the Czech National Symphony Orchestra" HERE

Read the full Press Release HERE

Niia - "Christmas with Niia"
Listen HERE

LA-based vocalist, pianist and composer Niia brings her late-night jazz sensibility to the season with Christmas with Niia, 13 holiday standards and modern favourites. It follows V (Goth Jazz Edition), the deluxe expansion of her 2025 album V, which Goldmine called one of its most-adored records of the year.

First single “Wonderful Christmastime” is out now. Made with producer Spencer Zahn, it swaps the synths of Paul McCartney’s original for a light, swinging jazz arrangement that feels both nostalgic and new. “This Christmas”, “Christmas Time Is Here” and “The Christmas Song” get the same treatment, and Niia marks the release with two special sets at Blue Note LA on 22 December.

Christmas with Niia is out digitally on October 30th, and on CD & LP on December 4th 

ABOUT CANDID RECORDS

From 1960-1963, founder, A&R, and producer Nat Hentoff recorded over 30 extraordinary albums for the Candid Records label. One cannot underestimate the breadth of these recordings - from bebop to the avant-garde, to blues. Candid sat dormant for years until Black Lion Records founder and producer, Alan Bates, bought the label in 1989. The next phase of Candid Records is happening now. Since its relaunch in 2021 the label has reissued over 30 titles to high critical acclaim. Thanks to brilliant new releases, Candid has received four GRAMMY awards – 2024 winners the Count Basie Orchestra, 2023 winners Terri Lyne Carrington and Wayne Shorter, and 2022 winner Eliane Elias. Today’s Candid is not only committed to its legacy but looks forward to defining its future with the quality music that is synonymous with its elite heritage. Learn more at www.candidrecords.com