GRAMMY® Award-Winning & GRAMMY® Nominated Guitarist, Singer & Producer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the BOSTON GLOBE for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.”
Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antonio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles. While plenty of jazz greats influenced his work—Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry and Slam Stewart, among others—Nat King Cole has been Pizzarelli’s hero and foundation over the last 25 years.
Pizzarelli’s solo recording career started in 1990 where played clubs and concert halls on the jazz circuit, opening for such greats as Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis and Rosemary Clooney. In 1993, he was honored to open for Frank Sinatra’s international tour and then joined in the celebration for his 80th birthday at Carnegie Hall, bringing down the house singing “I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do” with his father accompanying him.
Encore
1st set
2nd set
Encore
Set 1 by Freddy Cole, John joined the last song
Set 2 by John Pizzarelli
Encore
This is the fifth time seeing Mr. Pizzarelli perform at Jimmy's, and once again, he delivered. Great music, incredible guitar-playing, wonderful band, and hilarious and engaging stories. Will see him every time he plays in my vicinity.
So talented and entertaining. Loved the Sinatra and Billie Holiday songs. Especially thought Issaih was terrific.
John and his trio always deliver the most talented and entertaining performance. John is so skilled a guitarist, technically excellent and great fun to watch. His two sidemen on bass and piano are top notch. Quite a musical bargain in this day and age! Forget the phonies, playing to tapes, and silly light shows.
We have seen John 30-40 times. This was a lackluster performance. Kind of phoned it in. Sinatra songs were nothing exciting. All the usuals. “Oklahoma” songs aren’t in the genre. Don’t dig Metheny. He can like him but needs to consider the audience. Very little chatter which is fun with John. Disappointing show. It will be a while before we do another Pizzarelli show.
Loved the show! Such talent John on guitar and piano and bass layer fantastic!
He always puts on a great show. I especially enjoyed hearing him on solo guitar. "Some Other Time"was just beautiful.
John Pizzarelli and his trio put on a wonderful performance! He mixed storytelling and a bit of comedy with great guitar picking. His scatting is reminiscent of bassist great, Slam Stewart, who originated this style. John also intersperses many references to his father, Bucky Pizzarelli, and does a mimic that is spot on. The many jazz greats that visited his home were definitely a positive influence on his music. Altogether, the evening was most enjoyable.
John is a master jazz guitarist and vocalist. I've seen him on many occasions and its always an exceptional evening. From jazz standards to tom jobim...he does it all with amazing fingerboard techniques.
First of all John Pizzarelli is a superb guitarist and the trio is phenomenal! Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club is a top notch venue in every aspect. What a fabulous evening!
We had our first visit to this new Portsmouth venue last week and had a fabulous time. Everything about it is top drawer: the choice of musicians, many of whom are internationally prominent, the elegant and intimate decor, the funky New Orleans cuisine and eclectic wine list, and the friendly and competent staff. This was the perfect time and place to venture out of the cave that has been our pandemic plight. You can't attend without proof of vaccination, and the tables are discretely spaced so that there is social distancing. We by chance had the very best table, front row center! I have been a fan of John Pizzarelli for decades and am listening to him singing "Snowfall" now, as I write this, on TSF Jazz live from Paris. John's pianist, Isaiah J. Thompson made the performant even richer, as he made the keys of the shiny new Steinway glisten with joy and rapture. It sounds "grand!" At the end of the concert, the trio got a much deserved standing ovation and I handed John a box of Van Otis fudge for their long drive back to NYC. We will no longer need to drive to Cambridge, Boston, or the Island of Manhattan to enjoy world class jazz. This spot is the equal of Scullers, the Regatta Bar, Birdland, you name it. The sound of John's voice was a bit tinny at first, but the sound guy James fixed it. Oh did I mention that although the New Orleans cuisine was not really to our liking (I suspect they will modify this soon), I enjoyed the best cut of steak I have had in many many years, and a glass of tasty red wine. (though the pour was on the stingy side) The staff was professional and super friendly. Sitting in this space and looking around one enjoys a visual treat as though the room is large (there is a balcony with tables upstairs), one never feels dwarfed by the architecture. It is an acoustic marvelous. A world class venue...Thanks. :Portsmouth, for putting the Granite State on the map Jazz wise. We will be back soon for more jazz greats. And of course there are many other categories of performers coming to town and gracing us with their talents. Enjoy!
