The Story Behind Vince Guaraldi's Mass

Derrick Bang, author of Vince Guaraldi at the Piano, tells how the great pianist was commissioned to compose the first jazz mass in America. Recorded at First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, PA, prior to the presentation of the mass on September 6, 2015 by Rev. Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet.

[@nealluczkiewicz6846]

Thank you for your great presentation. I was 10 years old when I heard CAST YOUR FATE TO THE WIND. I knew right away even as a kid that it was very different, very special. It was my vessel into the ocean of jazz which I sailed 10 years later when I took a jazz appreciation course in Oneonta, New York. It altered in a beautiful way my sense of musical direction. Jazz became for me a kind of North Star after that, because it embraces all music within itself.

[@emusic96785]

Loved the story. VG was a regular visitor to our home in Sac. My father was involved with jazz there. Our family also visited the Guaraldi home. Great memories brought out each time I hear his music.

[@boborrahood]

So Vince must have lived in Sacramento then? I now live just blocks away from where he played his final gig in Menlo Park, Ca., next door to where he left us from The Red Cottage motel in February of 1976.

[@emusic96785]

@@boborrahood VG lived in the SF Bay Area.

[@boborrahood]

@@emusic96785 So somewhere between San Jose and San Francisco, at least. Thanks.

[@VinceGuaraldifans28]

The speaker is Derrick Bang, author of VINCE GUARALDI AT THE PIANO.

[@milothewonderdog4286]

Love Derrick's research into Vince! Guaraldi probably did more to introduce jazz to the general public. He was my introduction to the genre as a kid.🎹

[@eveperry4321]

I have long been a fan of Vince Guaraldi and I am so happy to have come upon this wonderful video! ❤️❤️ Thank you! 😃

[@mescko]

I feel blessed to have two copies of the "At Grace Cathedral" LP.

[@beyourownforceofnature7291]

“This is fantastic! Vince Guaraldi is a genius and the music that represents my family!”♥️💫

[@purplesop]

Thank you! This was so informative. I only wish your lecture had been followed by excerpts of the Mass itself. Was it?

[@billcarter781]

Oh yes. The whole mass.

[@kathleenhollar138]

I so enjoyed listening to your presentation after meeting you at the "Thriving on a Riff" zoom event tonight. I've always enjoyed Guaraldi's music and now even more so. Thank you.

[@debralee1401]

Such an excellent presentation, wonderful speaker!

[@rkmaroon5895]

Great story. Thank you for the video

[@ecarteringram]

Thank you Derrick, wonderful story. I was lucky enough to attend Marin Country Day School , Where Barry Mineah taught music and brought in Vince to play solo at a school assembly.

[@babaoriley124]

I was in the St. Paul's Church choir and one of the kids that sang in the Peanuts Christmas Special. I remember how hard Barry worked us and how good we were. Thanks for reminding me where he worked as I had forgotten. I also sang in the St. Paul's choir that did the Jazz Mass at Grace Cathedral in 1965.

[@rayisland23]

Amazing presentation 👏

[@melindalemmon2149]

so where's the Mass