Bucky Pizzarelli And Strings - So Hard To Forget

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:52
Size: 142,2 MB
Art: Front + Back

( 4:47)  1. Laura
( 4:02)  2. Slow Burning
(11:48)  3. Duke Ellington Medley :  Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me In a Sentimenta
( 5:20)  4. It's Easy to Remember
( 3:34)  5. Sonatina in A : First Movement
( 2:25)  6. Sonatina in A : Second Movement
( 4:07)  7. My One and Only Love
( 3:11)  8. Prelude to a Kiss
( 5:17)  9. Wabash One More Time
( 5:08) 10. Tarantella Opus 87a
( 2:25) 11. Test Pilot
( 8:20) 12. Boots Blues
( 1:22) 13. Last Night When We Were Young

Several well-known jazz musicians have used string quartets to complement their performances over the decades, and many have come up with resultant syrupy mixes drowning individuality via over-production. Thankfully, this collaboration between legitimate jazz string players and legendary veteran guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli does not suffer from sucrose saturation, as these sessions were conceived and played with large amounts of taste, class, and substance. Cellist Jesse Levy, violist Valerie Levy, and violinists Aaron Weinstein and Sara Caswell all are very capable of swinging this program of standards along quite well, while Pizzarelli's seven-string amplified or acoustic guitar has more than enough fuel to keep the songs moving along in a interesting manner without forcing or dragging them into a saccharine morass. Bassist Jerry Bruno, a longtime collaborator of Pizzarelli, is added to five cuts, while the repertoire includes American popular songs, works of Duke Ellington, legitimate Spanish classical works, and the music of George M. Smith. This is Pizzarelli's seventh recording for the Arbors label as a leader, and his 30th project for them overall, proof of his endurance and continuing interest in making good music consistently through the decades of his golden years. 

The technique of counterpoint between Pizzarelli and the strings crops up on the fun, '30s hot jazz-flavored Smith composition "Test Pilot," while the other Smith number, "Slow Burning," has the leader and Bruno conversing with the strings replying in slight refrains. Employing mainly the solo format, Pizzarelli's take of "It's Easy to Remember" is a ballad, deepened by the late-arriving strings sadly agreeing that separation is inevitable, while the short closer, "Last Night When We Were Young," has the guitarist pulling out harmonic chord flourishes of pensive introspection. Duke Ellington's music is lovingly interpreted in a 12-minute medley where Pizzarelli bends bluesy notes and chords, and does a polite version of "Prelude to a Kiss" alongside second guitarist Frank Vignola.

Federico Torroba's Sonatina in two movements is a classical bolero waltz, with a changed up George Gershwin Americana-styled second part, while Tarantella Opus 87a is a lithe Italian chamber piece in 2/4 instead of the typical 6/8 time. Bouncy, upbeat, and happy, "Wabash One More Time" is the best swinger, while Pizzarelli's "Boots Blues" is a straightforward, easygoing tune, with help from Vignola and solos by both the exceptional violinists. This CD is a pleasant listening experience that yields more upon additional playings, best heard with significant others or ideally at dinner. It is also another fine effort in the long and illustrious career of one of the truly great jazz guitarists of all time.By Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/so-hard-to-forget-mw0000801885.

Personnel: Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar, 7-string guitar); Frank Vignola (guitar); Sara Caswell, Aaron Weinstein (violin); Valerie Levy (viola, cello); Jessy Levy, Jesse Levy (cello); Jerry Bruno, Martin Pizzarelli (bass instrument).

So Hard To Forget

---

Alexia Gardner - Feeling the Love, Songs of My Mother, Songs of My Father

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:37
Size: 82,2 MB
Art: Front

(1:38) 1. Forever Young
(6:16) 2. God Bless The Child
(2:31) 3. Great Day
(5:35) 4. Stand By Me
(1:01) 5. My Life
(3:11) 6. Alfie
(4:43) 7. Milestones
(3:45) 8. Theme From Mahogany
(2:49) 9. Miss Celie's Blues
(4:03) 10. Tell Him

I can still hear my father singing Burt Bacharach’s ‘Alfie’ and Ben E King’s ‘Stand by Me’. I can still see my mother’s beautiful face and feel her quiet strength all around me. This is a beautiful, prayerful, vocal, jazz album dedicated to my late parents and presented to you with the swinging, heartfelt, traditional jazz instruments of piano, bass, drums, horns and voice. Enjoy every moment!
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/album/feeling-the-love-songs-of-my-mother-songs-of-my-father-alexia-gardner

Personnel: Alexia Gardner (vocal); Hyuna Park (piano), Martin Pizzarelli (bass), George Gray (drums), Linus Wyrsch (sax)

Feeling the Love, Songs of My Mother, Songs of My Father

---

The John Pizzarelli Trio - Let's Share Christmas

Styles: Christmas, Vocal Jazz, Swing, Big Band 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:36
Size: 101,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:25)  1. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
(3:55)  2. Let's Share Christmas
(3:23)  3. White Christmas
(5:03)  4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
(4:19)  5. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
(2:50)  6. Sleigh Ride
(3:46)  7. Christmas Time Is Here
(3:44)  8. I'll Be Home for Christmas
(3:10)  9. Santa Claus Is Near
(3:48) 10. The Christmas Song
(3:12) 11. Snowfall
(3:54) 12. Silent Night

Let's Share Christmas is an engaging holiday record from John Pizzarelli. Featuring several songs arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel, Michel Legrand and Claire Fischer, the album isn't just Pizzarelli and his trio  instead, his small combo combines with a series of 40-piece orchestras that give the music a grand, elegant sweep that combines the best of big-band pop and hip, swinging jazz. ~ Thom Owens https://www.allmusic.com/album/lets-share-christmas-mw0000080446

Personnel:  John Pizzarelli – guitar; Martin Pizzarelli – double-bass; Ray Kennedy – piano; Harry Allen – saxophone; Jay Berliner – guitar; Jeff Clayton – saxophone; Andy Fusco – saxophone; Bill Watrous – trombone; Michel Legrand – conductor; The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra; Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Let's Share Christmas

---

Ricardo Baldacci, Martin Pizzarelli, Konrad Paszkudzki, Bucky Pizzarelli - Brothers In Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:25
Size: 138.3 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
[3:29] 2. Sometimes I'm Happy
[4:38] 3. In A Mellow Tone
[3:38] 4. Embraceable You
[2:48] 5. L.O.V.E
[3:53] 6. Little Girl
[2:46] 7. Darn That Dream
[3:02] 8. Coquette
[4:01] 9. When I Take My Sugar To Tea
[3:21] 10. Take The A Train
[3:11] 11. Frankie Manning Will Smile On Us
[5:00] 12. Supimpa! (Brothers' Blues)
[4:13] 13. Say You Will Be Mine Forever
[2:34] 14. Walkin' My Baby Back Home
[3:13] 15. Call The Police
[3:54] 16. Route 66
[1:55] 17. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Ricardo Baldacci, Brothers in Swing is the second career album of the singer/guitarist, and to this day the first national record with jazz guitarist and legend, American Bucky Pizzarelli. The collaborative project also includes bassist Martin Pizzarelli, who christened the CD, and Australian pianist Konrad Paszkudzki. Baldacci is one of the few representatives of Swing Jazz in Brazil and a longtime admirer of the Pizzarelli family. In May of 2014, he was invited to play at a festival in Manhattan by Lenny White and met Bucky Pizzarelli, one of the patriarchs of jazz guitar. On the occasion, he met the sound engineer Bill Moss and commented on the utopian possibility of recording an album with his idols. In January 2015, Ricardo wrote to Bill asking if there would be a chance to realize that project they had spoken about. The answer came in two weeks, with the already scheduled recording dates. Ricardo Baldacci made a brief selection of songs, wrote some arrangements and went to New York 15 days later.

Recorded in two sessions at the Samurai Hotel Studios in Queens, NY, Brothers in Swing takes place in a mood of spontaneity and camaraderie and has the swing as a trademark. It is a great tribute from Baldacci to the music of the Pizzarelli family, which repays the same proportion to the Brazilian artist. Once again, like his previous CD, Baldacci chose to preserve, in most bands, the sound of the trio without drums (bass-acoustic, piano, guitar / vocals) that alternates between arrangements of guitar duos and Voice, piano and voice, as well as solo guitar numbers. The CD features in 17 tracks, a series of classical compositions, as well as two original works by Ricardo Baldacci and one in partnership with Martin Pizzarelli and Konrad Paszkudzi. In the repertoire, there is a wide variety: swing, ballads and novelty songs - songs such as In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington), Embraceable You (Gershwin) and Route 66 (Bobby Troup), among other standards. They some unknown as the little recorded Call The Police (Nat King Cole). Brothers in Swing is a tribute to the joy and sonority typical of the Swing Jazz, an album full of thrilling inspirational performances and a full plate for lovers of the Great American Songbook.

Brothers In Swing

---

Jessica Molaskey - A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:13
Size: 142,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:46)  1. Happy Habit
(4:20)  2. Baby Medley
(3:28)  3. Hello Sunshine Hello
(4:12)  4. A Kiss to Build a Dream On
(3:17)  5. Louis
(4:09)  6. Tea for Two
(3:41)  7. Take Me to You
(4:13)  8. Breezin' Along With the Breeze
(3:48)  9. Isn't He Something
(3:46) 10. Hiding in Plain Sight
(3:07) 11. Four Leaf Clover
(5:51) 12. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
(5:53) 13. Ain't Misbehavin'
(4:49) 14. Bye Bye Blues
(2:48) 15. Heart's Desire

When Broadway actress Jessica Molaskey met jazz guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli, an engaging partnership (both musical and marital) was formed. Molaskey enjoyed the musical family she married into, including father and guitarist Bucky and brother-in-law/bassist Martin, all of whom join her on her first CD for a purely jazz label. Rounding out the band is the talented young violinist Aaron Weinstein, a swinging, sensitive player in the Stéphane Grappelli tradition whose maturity on his instrument belies his youth. One of Molaskey's greatest strengths is her effortless ability to convey the emotion of each song without overdoing it, while her vocals are always right on the money. She also chose quite a few pieces that have long fallen into obscurity, including the upbeat "Happy Habit," the brightly swinging "Hello Sunshine Hello" (which interpolates "You Are My Sunshine" and utilizes multi-tracked vocals), and "Breezin' Along with the Breeze." John joins her for an intimate vocal duet of "Tea for Two" that includes the oft-omitted verse, along with their warm original "Hiding in Plain Sight," the latter adding guest Larry Fuller on piano. She also chose a pair of Stephen Sondheim songs, offering a playful rendition of "Everybody Loves Louis" (from Sunday in the Park with George and the sentimental ballad "Isn't He Something" (from Bounce. Jessica Molaskey will warm an audience of any size with this superb release. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-kiss-to-build-a-dream-on-mw0000797982

Personnel:  Jessica Molaskey-vocals;  John Pizzarelli-guitar, vocal duets (6, 10);  Bucky Pizzarelli-guitar;  Martin Pizzarelli-bass;  Aaron Weinstein-violin;  Larry Fuller-piano (10)

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

---

Jessica Molaskey - Sitting In Limbo

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:57
Size: 103,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:58)  1. Sitting In Limbo
(3:10)  2. Heavy Cloud, No Rain
(4:16)  3. Summer, Highland Falls
(3:00)  4. Ooh Child
(2:13)  5. I Want To Be Happy / Sometimes I'm Happy
(3:12)  6. There Will Never Be Another You
(4:31)  7. Knowing You
(3:31)  8. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter
(4:48)  9. The Circle Game / Waters Of March
(3:35) 10. Walkin' After Midnight
(4:11) 11. Hearts and Bones
(4:26) 12. Morning Has Broken / I Woke Up One Early Morning

Singer Jessica Molaskey's fourth album, Sitting in Limbo, has been well received. She is guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli's wife, and together they have won the New York City Nightlife Award for "Best Musical Duo" in both 2007 and 2008. Molaskey is a very polished vocalist whose specialty is Broadway musicals, currently appearing in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George, which opened in Manhattan in February, 2008. Her jazz credentials are enhanced by her frequent appearances and recordings such as this one, with her husband's working combo, but she is really an artist even more comfortable in a theatrical or cabaret setting. A similar comparison could be made for the late career of Rosemary Clooney, who was re-invented by Concord Records during the last two decades of her life, through her many jazz-associated albums. However, even Clooney came from a big band setting prior to her string of pop hits in the 1950s. Sitting in Limbo is a thematic album, using the lyrics of Jimmy Cliff's title tune to reflect a place "between heaven and hell" with an interesting choice of mostly pop material. On Paul Simon's "Hearts and Bones," based upon an autobiographical lyric that reflects upon Simon's failed marriage and a journey to New Mexico with actress/writer Carrie Fisher (."..One and one-half wandering Jews, Free to wander wherever they choose..."). Billy Joel's "Summer, Highland Falls" is interleaved with Jobim's uncredited "Tristeza," with the word "sadness" appearing in both songs but with different meanings.


An important part of the Molaskey/Pizzarelli performances live or in studio is their interrelated duets. Here two Vincent Youman/ Irving Caesar tunes "I Want to Be Happy" and "Sometimes I'm Happy" are sung by each of the vocalists. Elsewhere, Molaskey renders Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game" while Pizzarelli does Jobim's vocally complex "Waters of March." Finally, Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken" is sung alongside the Pizzarelli/Molaskey original "I Woke Up One Early Morning." All of these tunes represent contrasting views that are reflected in Jimmy Cliff's lyrics on the title tune: "..I don't know where life will take me, but I know where I've been..." Pizzarelli's group is augmented by pianist/organist Larry Goldings on half of the selections (in lieu of Larry Fuller) and the presence of the always dependable and lyrical tenor saxophonist, Harry Allen. Bassist Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco complete the roster. Disregarding labels and sub-genres, this is Jessica Molaskey's finest album in terms of concept and execution. ~ Michael P.Gladstone https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sitting-in-limbo-jessica-molaskey-ps-classics-review-by-michael-p-gladstone.php

Personnel: Jessica Molaskey: vocals; John Pizzarelli: guitar, vocals; Larry Goldings: piano and organ (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12); Larry Fuller: piano (3, 5-7, 9, 10); Martin Pizzarelli: bass; Tony Tedesco:drums; Harry Allen: saxophone.

Sitting In Limbo

---

Jessica Molaskey - A Good Day

Styles: Vocal

Year: 2003

File: MP3@256K/s

Time: 46:37

Size: 85,9 MB

Art: Front

(4:15)  1. All the Cats Join In

(2:51)  2. Everything Is Moving Too Fast

(3:44)  3. Somebody Loves Me

(2:40)  4. How Come You Ain't Got Me?

(4:12)  5. Small World

(2:30)  6. It's a Good Day

(2:48)  7. I Love the Way You're Breaking

(3:32)  8. I Don't Know Enough About You

(2:49)  9. Adam & Eve

(3:04) 10. The Girl With His Smile and My

(5:28) 11. It's the Bluest Kind of Blues

(2:42) 12. I Wouldn't Trade You

(3:10) 13. Side by Side

(2:47) 14. A Lifetime or Two

Jessica Molaskey is a seasoned Broadway performer who also makes a strong impression in tackling classics from the Great American Songbook or reviving pop songs of the 1940s. Her expressive vocals are effective without resorting to gimmickry, and she's backed by a sterling cast of musicians which includes guitarist John Pizzarelli (her husband and the arranger of seven of the songs), father-in-law Bucky Pizzarelli on acoustic guitar, brother-in-law and bassist Martin Pizzarelli, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and pianist Ray Kennedy, among others. "All the Cats Join In" was made popular by Benny Goodman but has been only sporadically recorded since; Molaskey not only swings it effortlessly but expands upon its original lyrics. Her treatment of a trio of songs written by Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour (another singer/guitarist married couple), especially the cheerful "A Good Day," will help anyone lose the blues. Molaskey's lyrics in the five pieces written with her spouse are priceless, here's an example from "How Come You Ain't Got Me?": "You buy one ticket and you win the lotto...you down martinis, other folks get blotto." And it's impossible not to be charmed by their lovely ballad "The Girl with His Smile and My Eyes," dedicated to their daughter Madeline Pizzarelli, with the sole accompaniment provided by Kennedy's lush piano. Every track on this highly recommended CD is a gem. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-good-day-mw0000595179

Personnel: Jessica Molaskey (vocals); Tony Kadleck (trumpet); John Mosca (trombone); Ken Peplowski, Andy Fusco (clarinet); Kenny Berger (bass clarinet); Ray Kennedy (piano); Larry Goldings (organ); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar); John Pizzarelli (guitar); Martin Pizzarelli (bass).

A Good Day

---

Jessica Molaskey - Pentimento

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:26
Size: 104,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. Oh, You Beautiful Doll
(3:02)  2. I'm Just Wild About Harry
(3:06)  3. Ain't We Got Fun
(3:31)  4. What'll I Do
(3:22)  5. With Plenty Of Money And You/We're In The Money
(2:29)  6. Waitin' For The Train To Come In
(2:41)  7. Red, Red Robin
(1:57)  8. By The Beautiful Sea
(2:49)  9. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
(2:46) 10. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning
(4:12) 11. You Made Me Love You
(1:50) 12. I Tried Too Hard For Too Long
(1:05) 13. When I Lost You
(1:55) 14. Look For The Silver Lining
(3:18) 15. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(1:37) 16. Beautiful Dreamer
(2:57) 17. Sail Away

With the seemingly steady rise of interest in traditional American popular song, the result has been a treasure trove of CD reissues, a Renaissance of careers of more seasoned veteran performers, and the appearance of many new singers who draw upon the repertoire and inspiration of the Great American Songbook. Along with the work of veterans such as Weslia Whitfield, the recently late Rosemary Clooney, and relative newcomers such as Stacey Kent, another traditional pop songstress has arrived. Pentimento, the new CD by Jessica Molaskey primarily mines the rare ore of songs from the era between the World Wars. Molaskey, and an impressive supporting cast including husband John, and father-in-law Bucky Pizzarelli, provide more than a mere recasting of this music. Instead of a stylized recreation by a repertoire-type ensemble, Molaskey and her assemblage, which also includes the clarinet of Ken Peplowski and the violin of Johnny Frigo, unearth a fresh, lightly swinging perspective that uncovers the sheer underlying beauty of these older songs. Molaskey performs the Eubie Blake/Noble Sissle classic “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” as a ballad rather than in its more familiar up-tempo version. 

As a ballad, a new tenderness of the lyric and the heartfelt emotion of this song come through like the beauty of aged wood grain hidden under stripped away old varnish. Another interesting twist is the inclusion of the seldom-heard verse to the song “Oh, You Beautiful Doll.” Molaskey’s voice is enchanting as she interprets songs such as “You Made Me Love You,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” Her version of “Look for the Silver Lining,” even rivals the delicate rendition recorded by Chet Baker in the 1950’s.  Molaskey also demonstrates her writing talents with her added lyrics to Irving Berlin’s “Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning,” and original songs “I Tried Too Hard For Too Long,” and “Sail Away” co-written with husband John Pizzarelli. Molaskey also includes one song not from the 20th century. Her version of Stephen Foster’s “Beautiful Dreamer,” reveals the sentimental essence of this old chestnut. The recording quality of Pentimento is superb. The musicians assembled for the session represent top shelf talent. The quality of the sound is crystal clear with Molaskey’s very precise diction perfectly balanced with the accompanying instruments. For fans of traditional popular song and/or just fun sounding swinging music Pentimento is highly recommended as an addition to one’s CD collection. ~ Craig W.Hurst https://www.allaboutjazz.com/pentimento-jessica-molaskey-ps-classics-review-by-craig-w-hurst.php

Personnel: Jessica Molaskey, vocals; Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar and uke; John Pizzarelli, guitar, uke and additional vocals; Martin Pizzarelli, bass; Larry Goldings, piano; Ray Kennedy, piano; Johnny Frigo, violin; Ken Peplowski, clarinet; Tony Tedesco, brushes on phone book; Jesse Levy, cello.

Pentimento

---

Harry Allen - Tenors Any One ?

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:54
Size: 128,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:31)  1. It Was Just One Of Those Things
(4:04)  2. Blue And Sentimental
(6:01)  3. Flying Home
(4:27)  4. My Favorite Things
(4:07)  5. Lester Leaps In
(4:38)  6. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
(4:05)  7. America, The Beautiful
(5:20)  8. The Peacocks
(6:03)  9. Tea For Two
(3:03) 10. If I'm Lucky
(6:12) 11. Cool Man Chu
(3:18) 12. Four Brothers

Gene Lees writes, “Stan Getz was once asked his idea of the perfect tenor saxophone soloist. His answer was, 'My technique, Al Cohn's ideas, and Zoot's time.' The fulfillment of that ideal may well be embodied in thirty-year-old Harry Allen.” BMG recording artist Harry Allen has over twenty recordings to his name. Three of Harry's CDs have won Gold Disc Awards from Japan's Swing Journal Magazine, and his CD Tenors Anyone? won both the Gold Disc Award and the New Star Award. His recordings have made the top ten list for favorite new releases in Swing Journal Magazine's reader's poll and Jazz Journal International's critic's poll for 1997, and Eu Nao Quero Dancar (I Won't Dance), the third Gold Disc Award winner, was voted second for album of the year for 1998 by Swing Journal Magazine‚s reader‚s poll. Harry has performed at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide, frequently touring the United States, Europe, and the Far East. He has performed with Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Hank Jones, Frank Wess, Flip Phillips, Scott Hamilton, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, Gus Johnson, Jeff Hamilton, Terry Gibbs, Warren Vache, and has recorded with Tony Bennett, Johnny Mandel, Ray Brown, Tommy Flanagan, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Kenny Barron, Dave McKenna, Dori Caymmi, Larry Goldings, George Mraz, Jake Hanna, and Al Foster, among others. Harry is featured on many of John Pizzarelli's recordings including the soundtrack and an on-screen cameo in the feature film The Out of Towners starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. He has also done a series of commercials for ESPN starring Robert Goulet. Harry was born in Washington D.C. in 1966, and was raised in Los Angeles, CA and Burrillville, RI. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1988 from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and currently resides in New York City. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/harryallen

Personnel:  Harry Allen - tenor saxophone;  John Pizzarelli – guitar;  Ray Kennedy – piano;  Martin Pizzarelli - bass

Tenors Any One ?

---

John Pizzarelli - Let There Be Love

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:05
Size: 124,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:43)  1. Let There Be Love
(3:39)  2. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
(3:58)  3. These Foolish Things
(2:47)  4. All I Saw Was You
(4:00)  5. Everything I Have Is Yours
(4:19)  6. Stompin' At The Savoy
(4:33)  7. Follow
(2:46)  8. Our Little Secret
(3:01)  9. You'll Never Know
(3:29) 10. I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)
(3:44) 11. Our Love Rolls On
(4:00) 12. Just One More Chance
(2:45) 13. Lucky Charm
(3:19) 14. Da Vinci's Eyes
(4:54) 15. What Is There To Say

In order to fully appreciate a John Pizzarelli listening experience, the following accoutrements are recommended: candles, rose petals, and a bit of bubbly. Because a night of romance is what's to be expected when one of the contemporary jazzman's discs is playing in your living room or boudoir. Pizzarelli's music is renowned for capturing all of the little nuances of love in confections that are light, breezy, and finger-snapping smooth. The singer/guitarist is one of the early 21st century's more notable jazz interpreters of the younger generation, and he has thus far devoted his career to presenting the classics in his own compositions on his albums. On his second Telarc release, Let There Be Love, Pizzarelli pulls back his arrow again and shoots out a 15-song tribute to romance from its endearingly awkward beginnings to steadying middle to the enduring golden years. 

Several numbers on Let There Be Love are Pizzarelli originals. These include "DaVinci's Eyes," "Lucky Charm," and "Our Little Secret." The jazzman also offers up such standards as "These Foolish Things" and "Stompin' at the Savoy." Supported by his family Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) and Martin Pizzarelli (bass) and showcasing graceful pianist Ray Kennedy, who is the musical driving force behind the songs, Let There Be Love is a beautifully crafted rumination on love, jazz style. The collection is a must for any contemporary jazz lover's collection, especially those who like their tunes light and sweet, and on the gentle side. Simply irresistible. ~ Liana Jonas  http://www.allmusic.com/album/let-there-be-love-mw0000106800

Personnel: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Jesse Levy (cello); Dominic Cortese (accordion); Ray Kennedy (piano); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Martin Pizzarelli (bass); Tony Tedesco (brushes).

Let There Be Love

---

Buddy DeFranco - Cooking The Books

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:10
Size: 147,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:34)  1. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise
(3:48)  2. Prisoner Of Love
(4:32)  3. What Is This Thing Called Love?
(6:32)  4. Cookin' the Books
(7:47)  5. I Lost The Blues
(8:30)  6. East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)
(6:07)  7. Dancing in the Dark
(5:27)  8. Poor Butterfly
(8:11)  9. Gone With The Wind
(5:37) 10. Scrapple From the Apple

While one finds the clarinet less often in the new millennium, than say, the tenor sax, it no longer seems in danger of becoming extinct, thanks to practitioners like Buddy DeFranco. From "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," to the closing intensity of Charlie Parker's "Scrapple From the Apple," DeFranco, guitarist John Pizzarelli, bassist Martin Pizzarelli, pianist Ray Kennedy, and drummer Butch Miles show that even though the clarinet may be rooted in jazz past, it's far from old-fashioned. 

The set list includes lots of standards "Dancing in the Dark," "Poor Butterfly," and "Gone With the Wind" and two super upbeat pieces by DeFranco "I Lost the Blues," and the title cut. Lengthy cuts like "East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)" allow the clarinet, guitar, and piano plenty of solo time, while bassist Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Miles keep this outfit in a steady groove. The album also includes two nice vocals by John Pizzarelli on "Prisoner of Love" and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" It's easy to forget that clarinet practitioners like Tony Scott and DeFranco took the clarinet far beyond the swing familiarized by Benny Goodman and others. Cookin' the Books, however, will serve to freshen the memory in the most enjoyable way. ~ Ronnie D.Lankford, Jr http://www.allmusic.com/album/cookin-the-books-mw0000325590

Personnel: Buddy DeFranco (clarinet);  John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar);  Ray Kennedy (piano);  Martin Pizzarelli (bass instrument);  Butch Miles (drums);  John Pizzarelli Trio.

Cooking The Books

---

Rebecca Kilgore - Rebecca Kilgore's Lovefest at the Pizzarelli Party

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:23
Size: 138,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. How Are You Fixed for Love
(5:27)  2. Middle of Love
(3:11)  3. Loads of Love
(5:15)  4. Let There Be Love
(4:29)  5. Where Is Love?
(5:02)  6. It's Love
(4:58)  7. That Tired Routine Called Love
(5:02)  8. Love Is a Necessary Evil
(5:16)  9. That Old Devil Called Love
(4:45) 10. Take Love Easy
(7:49) 11. Down With Love / Hooray for Love
(4:03) 12. Something Like Love

One can almost hear Rebecca Kilgore smiling as she sings. Since she launched her jazz career, she's been a jazz party favorite and has often displayed a penchant for digging up forgotten songs. For these 2010 sessions, she shares the spotlight with some of her regular collaborators on record dates (most of whom she's shared the stage with as well), including guitarists Bucky and John Pizzarelli, bassist Martin Pizzarelli, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Larry Fuller, drummer Tony Tedesco, and violinist Aaron Weinstein, with love being a common theme in the music. The little licks added behind her vocals in the swinging opener, "How Are You Fixed for Love," demonstrate the natural chemistry of the musicians. The haunting ballad "Where Is Love?," written for the movie Oliver!, is a warm feature with John Pizzarelli's soft guitar; Tedesco adds gentle brushwork, while Weinstein detours into "Who Will Buy?" from the same film in his brief solo.

Kilgore's lively approach to Matt Dennis' "That Tired Routine Called Love" makes one wonder why jazz singers have overlooked this gem for so long. Harry Allen's sassy tenor is the perfect accompaniment to the singer in her swinging take of Duke Ellington's obscure "Take Love Easy." There isn't a weak spot throughout this enjoyable CD, something Rebecca Kilgore fans have long come to expect when giving her latest release its initial spin. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/lovefest-at-the-pizzarelli-party-mw0002087161

Personnel: Rebecca Kilgore, vocal; John Pizzarelli, guitar; Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar; Martin Pizzarelli, bass; Aaron Weinstein, violin; Harry Allen, tenor sax; Larry Fuller, piano; Tony Tedesco, drums.

Rebecca Kilgore's Lovefest at the Pizzarelli Party

---

John Pizzarelli - Live At Birdland Disc 1 And Disc 2

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:52 (Disc 1)
Size: 153,8 MB (Disc 1)
Time: 65:21 (Disc 2)
Size: 150,2 MB (Disc 2)
Art: Front + Back

Disc 1

(0:06)  1. Introduction
(4:41)  2. Just You, Just Me
(5:31)  3. The Frim Fram Sauce
(6:16)  4. The Song Is You
(4:14)  5. Isn't It A Pity?
(1:04)  6. Rhode Island Intro
(3:45)  7. Rhode Island
(4:13)  8. Ray Kennedy: Library Of Congress Story
(5:22)  9. Gospel Truth
(3:14) 10. Ray Kennedy: Dizzy Gillespie Story
(5:05) 11. Tea For Tatum
(0:11) 12. James Taylor Intro
(3:14) 13. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
(1:02) 14. James Taylor Intro 2
(3:50) 15. Mean Old Man
(4:12) 16. Manhattan
(2:31) 17. Rosemary Clooney Story
(3:18) 18. Moonlight Becomes You
(0:30) 19. Final Intro
(4:24) 20. Will You Still Be Mine?

---

Disc 2

(0:20)  1. Introduction
(4:30)  2. Three Little Words
(6:04)  3. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:27)  4. Oh, How My Heart Beats for You
(3:09)  5. The Day I Found You
(1:44)  6. Polliwog Story
(7:42)  7. It's Only a Paper Moon
(4:44)  8. Stompin' at The Savoy
(3:40)  9. Better Run Before It's Spring
(2:56) 10. Grover Kemble Story
(3:55) 11. Headed Out to Vera's
(5:29) 12. Medley: Gee Baby / Ain't I Good To You
(0:57) 13. I Like Jersey Best Intro
(8:28) 14. I Like Jersey Best
(3:55) 15. My Castle's Rockin'
(3:14) 16. Baby Just Come Home to Me

This is a wonderful, warm-hearted, and effortlessly virtuosic live recording by one of the finest living exponents of pre-bop small-ensemble jazz. With pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Martin Pizzarelli (and on two songs joined by vocalist Grover Kemble), singer and guitarist John Pizzarelli runs through a generally lightweight but thoroughly charming set of standards, homages, funny stories, and the occasional original tune; the fast tunes are light and frothy, the ballads smooth and gentle, and even the moments that are less than utterly inspired work together with the album's highlights to create a very satisfying whole. John Pizzarelli has a suit sponsor, which tells you something about what to expect of him as a singer: his voice is smooth and warm, offering a nice combination of Chet Baker's timbre and Dean Martin's fullness; as a guitarist you need to know that he favors seven-string guitars and flat-wound strings, leading him naturally to a swinging Django Reinhardt-meets-Freddie Green kind of sound. 

As for the trio's instrumentation, it's true that when you can comp with this kind of authority you don't technically need a drummer. But on a few tracks a drummer would have filled out the band's sound nicely. Highlights include the group's fun, slightly greasy take on "Frim Fram Sauce" and a great ode to Art Tatum called "Tea for Tatum," as well as a fine original blues composition titled "Headed Out to Vera's." Pizzarelli's own "Oh, How My Heart Beats for You" and "Day I Found You" are also wonderful. But the album's standout track is a limpidly gorgeous rendition of another original, "Better Run Before It's Spring." Pizzarelli is obviously having a blast in the intimate setting of the legendary Birdland club, and so will any jazz lover who takes the time to listen. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-birdland-mw0000592767

John Pizzarelli Trio: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Ray Kennedy (piano); Martin Pizzarelli (bass); Grover Kemble (vocals)

Live At Birdland Disc 1, Disc 2

---

The Pizzarelli Boys - Sunday At Pete's

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:22
Size: 140.5 MB
Styles: Swing, Guitar jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[ 5:10] 1. Sweet Sue
[ 3:48] 2. Alabamy Bound
[ 4:47] 3. Whispering
[ 3:25] 4. When You're Smiling
[ 3:59] 5. Bye Bye Blues
[ 2:43] 6. When The Blue Of The Night
[ 2:58] 7. In The Good Old Summer Time
[ 3:24] 8. A Little World Called Home
[ 2:52] 9. Red Wing
[ 2:46] 10. You're My Girl
[ 4:57] 11. Rosetta
[ 3:22] 12. Dardanella
[ 5:04] 13. Yes Sir, That's My Baby
[12:00] 14. Night On Garrett Mountain

The Pizzarelli family treasured musical gatherings at home from the time the patriarch was just starting to play guitar, where he learned a lot from his two uncles about playing rhythm guitar. Long an accomplished sideman, soloist, and bandleader, Bucky Pizzarelli has performed and recorded with his sons John and Martin on a number of occasions over the years, while John has had Martin as the bassist in his group for a number of years. But this is the first family recording date with all three present and not a larger supporting cast, except for drummer Tony Tedesco, who is so well known to them he is considered family. But this time around, it is John playing electric lead guitar, with his father sticking to playing acoustic rhythm guitar. The songs selected date back many decades to the early days of the swing era and earlier. The breezy treatment of "Alabamy Bound" suggest a train barreling down the tracks, while a wave of nostalgia is awash in the swinging setting of "In the Good Old Summertime" and the upbeat western swing setting of "Red Wing." The one new composition is "Night on Garrett Mountain," an extended blues evidently conjured up during the recording session. It's obvious that the many jam sessions held at Uncle Pete's paid numerous musical dividends, with the listener reaping the rewards. ~ Ken Dryden

Recording information: 01/12/2007/01/13/2007.

Bucky Pizzarelli - guitar; John Pizzarelli - guitar; Martin Pizzarelli - bass guitar; Also: Tony Tedesco

Sunday At Pete's

---

Bucky Pizzarelli And The West Texas Tumbleweeds - Diggin' Up Bones

Styles: Western Swing
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:38
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:51)  1. Right Or Wrong
(2:59)  2. Promised Land
(4:20)  3. Turkey In The Raw
(4:32)  4. Ain't Oklahoma Pretty
(3:23)  5. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
(3:47)  6. Jingle, Jangle, Jingle
(3:28)  7. Your Cheating Heart
(3:14)  8. Grain Of Salt
(4:19)  9. You're From Texas
(3:47) 10. Over Nevada
(4:36) 11. Ghost Riders In The Sky
(3:04) 12. Cowboy Lullaby
(3:29) 13. Tacos, Enchiladas And Beans
(2:56) 14. Diggin' Up Bones
(2:45) 15. Stage Fright
(3:22) 16. Act Naturally
(4:37) 17. Steeling Home

Country music and jazz have been married since Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys started what was a regional craze that became internationally recognized. While Hank Williams embraced the merging of cultures, and Asleep at the Wheel or Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown thrived in populist jazz or blues-derived hybrids, few have attempted to really blend the two styles in recent times. Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, his sons, guitarist John Pizzarelli and bassist Martin Pizzarelli, have wanted to do this kind of project for many years, and it has surfaced in this twangy, sophisticated tribute to the western cowboy from a stage show perspective. Help from jazzers like fiddler Aaron Weinstein or drummer Danny Coots, but especially Nashville's renowned pedal steel guitarist Tommy White, identify the music as nothing less than down-home pickin' and grinnin', straight-from-the-heart songs avowed jazz fans like Roy Clark and Buck Owens used to do. Saloon chanteuse Rebecca Kilgore plays up the femme fatale role to perfection, while the three Pizzarellis jump right into these purely rural, down-in-the-valley tunes. 

The majority of the tracks feature vocals, with the instrumental swing of the guitarists as rhythmic support. Andy Levas sings five of them in a deep-toned, tough-guy vocal, including the blue and downhearted "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," the classic Hank Williams lonesome cowboy anthem "Your Cheating Heart," the legendary two-note tale of intrigue "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and the all-time, lighthearted fave "Act Naturally." Cowboy Joe West sings the Chuck Berry rock & roll classic "Promised Land," accented by Weinstein's fiddle, and the shoulder-shrugging "Grain of Salt" in a rough-and-tumble voice. Yes, this is the same Joe West who is a 30-year veteran Major League Baseball umpire. Kilgore provides the distaff retort on songs like the twangy "Right or Wrong," the really corny and fluffy cowgirl show tune "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle," the Cindy Walker-penned lone star 2-step "You're from Texas," and the closer-to-jazz, funny Mel Tormé number "Tacos, Enchiladas & Beans." John Pizzarelli wrote three of these selections, including an instrumental turkey-in-the-straw update "Turkey in the Raw," an adaptation of Johnny Cash's road song "I've Been Everywhere" retitled "Ain't Oklahoma Pretty?," with the line modified from "Route 66," and the steady swinging "Steeling Home," with tongue-in-cheek baseball and White's slide-string instrument on his mind.

 The Carl Kress tune "Stage Fright" comes nearest to rural jazz, as the guitars and Weinstein's mandolin recall the dawgrass of David Grisman. For all of the delights this album possesses, purist jazz fans will have to think twice before purchasing it. However, country music fans will love it, and might see the bigger picture of mainstream jazz once they realize the connections have been there all along. ~Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/diggin-up-bones-mw0001786796

Thank You Flyingfinger!

Diggin' Up Bones

---

Bucky Pizzarelli & The West Texas Tumbleweeds - Back In The Saddle Again

Styles: Western Swing
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:54
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front + Back

(6:17)  1. Lone Star Swing
(4:30)  2. Hey, Porter
(2:10)  3. There's A Gold Mine In The Sky
(5:02)  4. Back In The Saddle Again
(9:13)  5. Folsom Prison Blues
(5:36)  6. Along The Navajo Trail
(3:07)  7. Drifting Along With The Tumbling Tumbleweeds
(5:56)  8. Red River Valley
(2:30)  9. Understand You Man
(4:20) 10. Cold Cold Heart
(4:44) 11. Heartaches By The Numbers
(6:12) 12. Hard Life Blues
(2:11) 13. Happy Trails

The success of Bucky Pizzarelli's earlier sessions blending jazz and country musicians interpreting country favorites prompted follow-up record dates with many of the same players taking part. The veteran guitarist brings sons John (guitar and vocals) and Martin (bass), vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, young violinist Aaron Weinstein, pianist Monty Alexander, and drummer Tony Tedesco, along with country artists Andy Levas (guitar and vocals) and pedal steel guitarist Tommy White. Like the earlier CD, "Buck" and the band do justice to these country standards, including both vocal and instrumental numbers. Levas' strong lead vocals on Johnny Cash hits like "Hey, Porter," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Understand Your Man" are obvious highlights, with the band providing terrific support. Kilgore has long sung both jazz and country, having recorded several CDs of her own with a country flavor; her warm, loping rendition of "Along the Navaho Trail," with tasty solos by the leader, Alexander, and Weinstein, is a highlight. The swinging rendition of "Red River Valley" showcases the leader on acoustic bass guitar, Weinstein, John Pizzarelli (on electric guitar), and Alexander. The surprising conclusion is a solo feature for Alexander, singing as he accompanies himself in a delightful, imaginative setting of "Happy Trails." Western swing is alive and well in the hands of Bucky Pizzarelli and friends.~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/back-in-the-saddle-again-arbors-country-series-vol-2-mw0002088730

Bucky Pizzarelli – rhythm guitar, bass; John Pizzarelli – Guitar, Vocals; Martin Pizzarelli – bass; Tony Tedesco – drums; Monty Alexander – piano, melodian, vocals; Tommy White – pedal steel guitar; Aaron Weinstein – violin; Rebecca Kilgore – guitar, vocals; Andy Levas – guitar, vocals.

Thank You Flyingfinger!

Back In The Saddle Again

---

The Arbors All Stars - Pizzarelli Party

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 69:03
Size: 158.1 MB
Styles: Swing, Vocal jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[ 3:14] 1. We Take On The Town
[ 7:26] 2. Strollin' Over To Nola (Gonna Play Some Blues)
[ 8:04] 3. Oh, Lady Be Good!
[ 4:46] 4. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
[10:33] 5. Sweet & Lovely
[ 2:55] 6. Joe & Zoot
[ 3:20] 7. I'm Making Believe
[ 5:45] 8. You Be The Judge
[ 6:05] 9. Somebody Call Hanly!
[ 3:26] 10. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[ 3:14] 11. Check Out This
[ 3:21] 12. I Knew Him When
[ 6:50] 13. I'll See You In My Dreams

The Arbors All Stars/The Pizzarellis: John Pizzarelli (vocals, electric guitar); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar); Martin Pizzarelli (bass instrument). One of several projects for father and son guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and John Pizzarelli, this effort lives up to its "party" title. It includes various sung and played show tunes, jams, and quite a few originals from the younger Pizzarelli in this famous jazz family. Martin Pizzarelli is added on bass, while vocalists John P., Rebecca Kilgore, and Jessica Molaskey convene for a three-generation front line that appears on select tracks. The potent front line is a dandy, with violinist Aaron Weinstein and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen providing the sweet harmonies and melodies, while pianist Larry Fuller adds more than ample support in the rhythm section with the guitarists. The clever songs that dominate this collection are, for the most, part endearing without being campy, while the high-level musicianship keeps things rollin' along from start to finish. Kilgore and Molaskey sing on two tunes, the cute "We Take on the Town" and the reflective standard "I Knew Him When," spanning the cunning to sad and lonely spectrum. When Weinstein and Allen play together, the result is pure attraction, whether during the easy blues "Strollin' Over to Nola," the hot and sweaty "Joe & Zoot," or the stomp down "Somebody Call Hanly," replete with hilarious "call for help" scat from John Pizzarelli. Both guitarists solo during the intro of "Sweet & Lovely" before Fuller takes over, evoking the title perfectly, while an upbeat jam on "I'll See You in My Dreams" has the band at full-bore open throttle, wittily quoting "After You've Gone." The lone feature for the elder Pizzarelli comes up on his original "Check Out This" in a daunting, easy as pie swing, while John Pizzarelli sings in his usual heartfelt, cool manner during "Under a Blanket of Blue." The recording succeeds on several levels because the program mixes up styles and soloists, with nobody really dominating, though the horns and especially the tasteful and complementary piano playing of Fuller deserve a closer listen. It's good to hear John Pizzarelli contributing new material aside from singing pop-jazz standards, and his dad is in good company with like-minded musicians from younger generations. The PIZZARELLI PARTY is one with an extended invitation to all, and comes easily recommended.

Jessica Molaskey, Rebecca Kilgore (vocals); Aaron Weinstein (violin); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Larry Fuller (piano); Tony Tedesco (drums).

Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, NY (01/28/2009/01/29/2009).

Pizzarelli Party

---