John Pizzarelli is a world-renowned singer and guitarist. The Boston Globe praised him for “reinvigorating jazz” and calling him “a genius guitarist.” The Seattle Times also praised him as “a rare entertainer from the old school”. Pizzarelli expanded his repertoire to include the music of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Pizzarelli’s talent and imagination are unmatched, as is his show of themed shows that he often performs with Jessica Molaskey. The New York Times raved of “Grownup Songs”, a show that fuses pop and jazz with Chekhovian wisdom about life’s ups, and downs. Next, Paul McCartney will be introducing his solo music to the world through his September 11, 2015 release via Concord Records, Midnight McCartney and on other stages worldwide. Pizzarelli said that the challenge is to include lesser-known McCartney songs alongside Gershwin’s, Berlin’s, and Rodgers works. It’s not unusual to say, “Here are some great songs. Pizzarelli began playing guitar when he was six years old, in keeping with his father’s tradition. After playing in rock bands in his teens, he turned to jazz as a career. He received an education by playing with Bucky Pizzarelli, his father, and many jazz legends who would have an influence on his work, including Les Paul, Zoot SIMS, Clark Terry, Slam Stewart, and Benny Goodman. His solo recording career began in 1990 with My Blue Heaven, Chesky Records. He opened for great jazz musicians like Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis in clubs and concert halls. He was honored to be an opening act for Frank Sinatra on his 1993 international tour. In 1993, he also joined the celebrations at Carnegie Hall for his 80th Birthday. With his father, he sang “I Don’t Know Why You Love Me Like I Do”. Pizzarelli has made Nat “King Cole his hero and supporter over the past 25 years. He has dedicated two albums to him, Dear Mr. Cole as well as P.S. Mr. Cole. Pizzarelli and Ramsey Lewis have been touring a Cole tribute show since 2013. Pizzarelli said that Cole’s sound was unique and inspiring. “I have always said that we are an extension of that group. After recording albums for RCA devoted primarily to classic swing (After Hours), torch ballads (“Our Love Is Here To Stay”), holiday songs (Let’s Share Christmas”), and the Fab Four (“John Pizzarelli Meets The Beatles”), Pizzarelli signed with Telarc International, a division under Concord Music Group. The first of his many albums that he released was Kisses In the Rain in 2000. This album features a variety of standards and original songs that show the spontaneity of his live performances. It was followed by Let There Be Love. Pizzarelli and George Shearing, a veteran pianist, teamed up on his 2002 album, The Rare Delight of You. They continue the tradition of classic quintet and vocalist recordings, laying down great standards (“Be Careful, It’s My Heart,” If Dreams Come True”, and “Lost April”), as well as some originals, all set to vibrant arrangements. Live at Birdland, a recording of the John Pizzarelli Trio’s 10th anniversary, was released in April 2003. It featured Ray Kennedy as pianist and Martin Pizzarelli as bassist. The two-disc set seamlessly mixes James Taylor folk music with Van Heusen and Gershwin standards. It also features original Pizzarelli compositions. A JazzTimes critic praised the recording and said, “Spend five mins with Pizzarelli and it’ll be easy to appreciate his inimitable warmth and humor.” Pizzarelli introduced the Latin rhythms of Bossa Nova to a new generation. Russ Titelman produced the disc, which features several Brazilian musicians, including Paulo Braga (drummer), Cesar Camargo Mariano (pianist), and Daniel Jobim (vocalist). Billboard says that “His vocal and guitar performances throughout the album are exceptional.” Pizzarelli’s 2005 album, Knowing You, honors the many talented musicians and songwriters he has met over his career. The disc was described by the Associated Press as “A classy, urbane recording.” This album is among Pizzarelli’s best. The rich colors make it one of the finest. Telarc presented Dear Mr. Sinatra in 2006 as John’s tribute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. The collection features John Clayton’s clever reworkings of classics such as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “You Make Me So Young”, as well as Sinatra-written songs like “Ring-A-Ding-Ding!,” and “Nice and Easy.” The New York Times praised it for its “exploding enthusiasm and excitement.” The GRAMMY(r), Award-nominated With a Song in My Heart (2008), features Richard Rodgers’ music and swinging Rodgers.
