Live on the Air consists of a live performance recorded on February 6, 1974 (two years to the day before Guaraldi's premature death), at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California.

The performance was broadcast live by radio stations KPFA and KPFB.

The sound engineer then advised Guaraldi and his trio to "play until your heart's content" (Track 9), resulting in three additional songs performed for the studio audience.

[2] Numerous errors were made with respect to song titles and running times.

[1][3] All tracks are written by Vince Guaraldi, except where notedNotes Credits adapted from CD liner notes.