Jazz lovers know Cyrus Chestnut as one of today's finest young pianists. Christmas music buffs know him for his brilliantly understated 1996 collection, Blessed Quietness: A Collection Of Hymns, Spirituals And Carols. So combining Mr. Chestnut, the all-star rhythm section of drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Christian McBride and various guests to do the the music that jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi created for A Charlie Brown Christmas seems like a can't-lose proposition. That it is.

        This 14-track CD is great jazz, great Christmas, simply great music.

        It opens with Mr. Chestnut's original introspective solo “Me and Charlie Brown” and goes on to prove he was the perfect choice for the project with Mr. Guaraldi's “Skating” and “My Little Drum.” The latter features trombonist Steve Turre soloing in the conversational style that the Charlie Brown TV specials used for adult voices.

        While he captures much of Mr. Guaraldi's whimsical approach, Mr. Chestnut isn't afraid to make the music his own. Beethoven's “Fur Elise” is given a Latin beat, while Mr. Chestnut plays some fine jazz on “Linus and Lucy,' which also features Pat Martino on guitar and Kenny Garrett on alto sax.

        The guest list, a well-considered mix of pop stars and jazz greats, is a big reason the disc succeeds so well.

        Vanessa Williams sweetly sings with the Boys Choir of Harlem on “Christmas Time is Here.” Soul star Brian McKnight croons “The Christmas Song,” while Manhattan Transfer harmonizes “What Child is This.”

        That melody also gets a jazz quintet setting under its other title, “Greensleeves”

        That quintet features the trio augmented by Mr. Martino and trumpeter Wallace Roney. Other jazzers on the set include Gary Bartz on alto sax, Michael Brecker on tenor and Hubert Laws on flute.

        Like the TV show that inspired it, this Charlie Brown Christmas will be providing Yuletide joy for many years to come.

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