John Pizzarelli

e\\We enjoyed the concert immensely. This is our third concert. Highly recommend it

John Pizzarelli is a favorite of ours and he did not disappoint. This show was everything we expected and more. The orchestra was outstanding as well. The sound was good and we had a very good view from our seats in the lower balcony. The venue could certainly use an update. It's looking tired and worn but it certainly beats Centennial Hall. Tucson desperately needs a state of the art music hall for the 21st century. Maybe then we will be able to attract more outstanding talent to Tucson.

John Pizzarelli and his Trio along with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra made for a great show. Plenty of old standards, some Beatles tunes and swing type big band numbers. Great show.

We aren't jazz afficiandos so we weren't sure what to expect. John Pizzarelli won us over. It's a rare treat to be able to see musicians of that caliber.

Very comfortable venue. Show was entertaining and fun. The musical purist will appreciate the clean ,tight performance. The show had humor and romance.

i expected a good show and got a great show. the performances were excellant and the patter most interesting. cann't wait for the next one.

My husband and I enjoyed the concert at the Tilles Center this past May. This was our third time seeing John in person. The Tilles Center proved to be a terrific Center for his concert. The accoustics were very good and you could see from whereever you were seated. He still has a nice sense of humor. John also gave his back-up players a chance to show their talents. I would certainly recommend people seeing him.

Hope he comes back again the show was too short but it was a Sunday Night. Loved the music , the stories and of course, the voice.

John P was superb. He sang and played Sinatra songs and added some jazz to several of the songs. I would have preferred a bit more jazz but overall, it was wonderful.

John is an extremely multi=talented man. The show exceeded my expectations. He was also quite personable and in touch with his audience. I would see him again in a heartbeat!!!

Swinging jazz, snappy repartee, and infectious fun. A sure fire prescription when you're feeling blue - listen to John Pizzarelli. Even better, go see him!

We went to hear Nikki - didn't know who John Pizzarelli was, but he really surprized us. Both acts were top rate. The musicians in both were exquisite. John and Nikki's singing was delightful. Nikki is a joyful, precocious, precious jem in the Jazz world! Refreshing in her youth, powerful in her proficiency. My wife and I really, really enjoyed her and bought her "Ella..." CD/DVD afterwards (that makes 2 of hers). I'm going to look for John's CD, too! Highly recommended that you hear both of them in person if you ever get the chance!

John pizzarelli was awesome. Great voice, wonderful entertainer. He knew how to make people laugh. Good audience connection. And he had good song choices. Nikki on the other hand definitely has talent. But she needs more exposure. She was singing times.with a.great voice but she was simply singing. You could not.feel her connection that much although she was cute, charming, and natural. Song choices were so-so. As she grows older, she will have more experiences in life and she will understand lyrics and feel the song more. Definitely on her way to becoming a wonderful singer entertainer. Overall, a 4. But after a rousing first act, the second act was anti-climactic. Some left early and you can see some of the excitement and energy dissipate. Perhaps change order of the acts.

His brand of jazz interlaced with humor is very pleasant and his guitar playing exquisite! The combination with the Woody Hermann band was unfortunate though because their styles are sooo different and the brass instruments tended to play over him. These should have been two separate concerts. More Pizzarelli songs would have been greatly appreciated rather than remastering old Sinatras and also solos of the Pizzarelli quartet. But all in all it was an agreable evening in a beautiful concert hall.

I have been following this family for many years. Bucky, the father, was great, and his sons just get better and better. The fact that years ago, John opened for Frank Sinatra on many occasions should tell you something. His smooth singing style and great guitar playing is something everyone who enjoys music should see and hear.

He is a wonderful guitarist and great singer .His Quartet were great along with the wonderful musicians in the Woody Herman Band . Was a great show .

Woody Herman was a little slow to start by JP pumped them up and made the show.

We had high hopes for this performance - knowing the quality of the players and the venue. John Pizzarelli is a light "jazz standards" singer, capable guitarist, and a good showman. He can "speak" to the audience both in words and music. His Pianist is outstanding / his brother on Bass and his drummer are both very good. John has only one main solo mode though - he seems to always prefer to sing along with his guitar lines, ala George Benson - that gets old quickly - let's hear some dedicated Jazz Guitar playing without always the voice in unison ! There was a monster Tenor Saxophonist on the band just chomping at the bit to play extraordinarily inventive improvisation - but we never got to hear him - instead we heard John's cutesy cliche lines at every opportunity... For the general public without any musical training I suppose this was a comfortable evening of easy listening jazz albeit with poor ampification - for the Jazz afficionados however, it was not worth attending. The accoustics in the newly revamped Eastman Theatre were very disappointing - way too much booming Bass and drum kit amplification in the house, and one could not hear the soloists or discern the tonal charateristics of each section - too bad as the band had some real heavies sitting in - the Saxophone section was likely awesome - but I could barely hear Gary Keller play Tenor solos in the early pieces, and the same deal later when he switched to lead Alto. Frank Tiberi leads the Woody Herman Big Band these days - I remember hearing Frank playing Tenor when Woody was still leading the band some 30 years ago - his soloing was uninspriring then, and 30 years hasn't changed that fact. The rest of the band possesses so much more talent - why not put your ego aside and let them shine through ?

John was a first class show man from his classy dress to his fantastic voice to his instrumental ability, I hated to see him leave the stage. He appears to be so down to earth with the way he interacted with the members of the Woody Herman Band and his quartet. If John was to come back to Rochester or close to the area we would definetly go to see him and bring our family with us. Thanks to my daughter who introduced me to his music years ago. She has great taste and was in her mid twenties then.

John put on a great show as always. I've been going to his bar gigs and concerts since 1982 and have enjoyed every single one of them!

Great night,he really got the most out of all the performers! ARV

Outstanding show showing both his singing and guitar talents. Nice solos from pianist, too. Only thing I would change is less unison scat singing with guitar, Some is good, but it was used too much. Integration with Woody Herman Orchestra was well done.

John P. was his usually great. The Woody Herman Orchestra was outstanding and John and the orchestra together were truly outstanding.

Truly enjoyed John Pizzarelli's performance at the Rochester Jazz Fest last evening (6/16). In addition to his superb musical talent, he has a wonderful knack for engaging the audience. Also, he was so respectful to the other members of his quartet, as well as the members of the Woody Herman Band, calling attention to their individual contributions to the performance. I have followed him since I saw him on the Today show approximately 10 years ago and the live performance last evening was thrilling for me. Hope to see him at next year's Jazz Fest.

I have seen the Pizzarelli quartet play before, with the Rochester Philharmonic. He has a great stage presence and a wonderful sense of humor. His guitar skills are outstanding. All together, it makes for an evening of great music and lots of fun. Nice to see another Jersey boy make good!

the show was excellent & the staff inside were very nice as well

John Pizzarelli is an amazing live artist. His song knowledge and arrangements are always phenomenal. His respect to the "fathers of jazz" is always at the forefront and he makes sure to tell stories about where his ideas and inspiration comes from.. and that is the second best part about his shows.. His commentary between songs is quick-witted, informative and engaging. Do yourself a favor and see him whenever he's around your area.

Everything about this concert was OUTSTANDING. John Pizzarelli is a talented musician and a delightful host. It could not have been better. Great musicians and great choice of music. A Must See.

Had a great Pizzarelli weekend, seeing John Pizzarelli and the Swing Seven at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston on a Sunday afternoon. It was great hearing nearly all the tunes from Pizzarelli's new CD, "Rockin in Rhythm" live so soon after its release. The opening act for the show was accordionist Cory Pesaturo with his trio. He was very good, blending jazz performances on tunes such as "Jumping With Symphony Sid", "Take Five" and "But Not For Me" with an energetic tango and a nice rendition of "Besame Mucho". After a brief intermission, John Pizzarelli and the Swing Seven took to the stage and proceeded to amaze the audience with a collection of music marked by stupendous arrangements, top notch musicianship and just plain fun. The group performed a few introductory tunes prior to the Ellington tribute to whet the audience s appetite. These included "With a Song In My Heart" and "I Like to Recognize the Tune". As well, the audience was treated to new Swing Seven renditions of "These Foolish Things" and "They Can t Take That Away From Me". The latter featured a very interesting arrangement. After an initial piano solo by Larry Fuller, the rhythm section stopped and the four horns played an unaccompanied, extended solo using trombone, flugelhorn, clarinet and bass clarinet. It provided a very interesting harmonized sound and was followed by John playing solo guitar. The horns and John then traded solo sections before the rhythm section of Fuller, bassist Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco joined back in to close out the song. After this opening section, the group launched into the Ellington tribute, performing nearly all the songs from the new CD. Some highlights included Pizzarelli performing all the vocal parts on the vocalese rendition of "Perdido", the performance of "Don t Get Around Much Anymore" with that haunting counter melody of "East St. Louis Toodle-oo" played by the horns, and Pizzarelli's poignant vocals on "In My Solitude". On the up-tempo tunes, such as "In a Mellow Tone" and "I m Beginning to See the Light", the group really rocked. With Fuller, Martin Pizzarelli and Tedesco driving the rhythm along, and the horns behind John s vocals adding to the energy of the performance, you could see many members of the audience moving with the rhythm, looking like they wanted to jump up from their seats. The finale of "C Jam Blues" got everyone into the act with Pizzarelli, Fuller and all four horns getting extended solos. Even Cory Pesaturo stepped in to add an accordion solo. I was particularly impressed with Kenny Berger s blistering baritone sax solo but everyone was really at the top of their game during the tune. "C Jam Blues" was a fitting close to the shows. I don t think there is a better way to spend a weekend than with a liberal dose of John Pizzarelli and the Swing Seven. If you are anywhere near an upcoming Pizzarelli concert, make sure you run to get your tickets. I can t recommend the show highly enough

Mr. Pizzarelli combined an outstanding and versatile 7-piece ensemble with his own instrumental acumen, pleasing voice, and charming personality to present a very entertaining and joyful musical showcase. Most of the tunes--primarily standards plus some Duke Ellington favorites--were expertly wrapped inside inventive arrangements (mostly by Don Sebesky, I believe). The crowd was enthusiastically appreciative, openly embracing Mr. Pizzarelli and his formidable fellow musicians.

a show for all ages! John made it relaxing, funny & a wonderful experience for everyone -

awesome live performance! please come back to Boston again!

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Pizzarelli was in fabulous form, as were his very talented musicians. Can't wait until he returns to Boston. Would consider traveling to catch him again. He is a true star.

This was a very pleasurableconcert. Superb musicians, excellent selection and execution of beautiful music. Would highly recommend attending.

The best performance ever given by the greatest jazz guitarist of this generation. Only he could top it - the next time he performs!

We have seen John several times before. He is an excellent performer and musician. The other group was also excellent.

John P is foremost an amazing guitar player and band leader. To make it even better, he is a really funny and entertaining performer. We laughed, we learned a bit about the music and heard great musicians. I will go see him every time he is anywhere near by.

Excellent show. Great performer, great band, good selection of music.

John Pizzarelli was great and so was the band. Great music. Would definitely see him again and again.....

John Pizzarelli and the Swing Seven, once they hit the stage , engaged the audience with energetic music, humorous personal interaction and 90 minutes of uninterrupted Entertainment (with a capital "E")

Excellent combination of the John Pizzarelli Quartet and the TSO. The show far exceeded our expectations.

A memorable evening. It doesn't get better than this.

I loved the whole show. Every song was perfect and John Pizzarelli was amazing! He has the best voice ever. So smooth and perfect. His guitar playing was incredible. The whole band was amazing and Jessica his wife was amazing. Wonderful show. Can't wait to see them all again!

John Pizzarelli is a musical mensch - an excellent guitarist and singer; a witty host; an entertainer who is appreciative of others, whether the skilled musicians accompanying him or the composers of the numbers he does or his fellow performers. I have seem him perhaps 25 times in various venues - clubs, concert halls, outdoor facilities - in New York, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area - and have enjoyed a variety of shows featuring new interpretations of jazz standards and numbers from the Great American Songbook and beyond. On this occasion, his wife Jessica Molaskey was on hand to present the type of numbers that make their annual engagement at Cafe Carlyle a highlight of the New York music scene. And Catherine Russell's soulful salute to Billie Holiday drew a rousing response. I look forward to hearing this concert on John and Jessica's Radio Deluxe program April 30.

Fabulous. Really tight small group, wonderful choice of selections, and terriffic singer, Catherine Russell. Especially like the medley of Sinatra ballads. Terrific songs.

JP is currently on tour promoting his new CD, "Midnight McCartney". John and his father Bucky played on Sir Paul's "Kisses on the Bottom", and Paul specifically asked John to cover his post-Beatles material. As usual, John likes to present interesting angles of the songs, sometimes altering the tempo, sometimes switching from major to minor to present the lyrics in a different mood, sometimes interweaving two songs with similar lyrics or tonalities that make sense, as on his excellent "Double Exposure" CD. He performed 2 sets, the second emphasizing McCartney and Wings, with Ellington and other material. The gems of the evening were the whole first set, devoted to songs with lyrics by the incomparable Johnny Mercer; while he didn't advertise it, he apparently also released a Mercer CD last January. The overall performance was excellent, with John's obvious guitar mastery, and a new quartet, without his brother Martin on bass. John is an excellent storyteller, growing up as the son of the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli, and neighbor of Les Paul. He seemed to be enjoying himself; the show was over 2 1/2 hours, with an intermission. Neither he nor the audience wanted it to end.

John Pizzarelli (son of Legendary Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli), Monica Mancini (daughter of music legend Henry Mancini) and Cheyenne Jackson (Cabaret singer). Gave us one of the most memorable Sinatra 100 concert salutes for the year. The Good - The performances were for the most part FLAWLESS. A sixteen piece band that swung! The charts stayed close to their original roots of Nelson Riddle, Don Costa, Quincy Jones, Jobim. Several goose-pimple moments including when Sinatra's drummer Gregg Fields performed with his wife Monica... (earlier in the day the Vanity Fair article was published with Gregg's account of Sinatra's last performances.) Mr. Pizzarelli had fun stories of Mr. Sinatra, the composers, and arrangers that he shared throughout the night... and he was ENGAGING (and FUN!!!) The Bad - not that there were any bad musical moments... all of the charts/performances were exceptional... in my thoughts... It would have been pure MAGIC if other members from Sinatra's crew showed up to play with the band, or got introduced. Chuck Berghoffer, Terry Trotter... we missed you. To counter their absence - there were PLENTY of undercover Sinatra associates in the audience. Wishing I had kept better notes to share....some of the folks who showed. One other observation - the crowd was skewed towards an older demographic. It would have been awesome seeing younger audience members. The Ugly - The campus spokesman/host - failed to introduce himself when he took the stage... and seemed taken aback when I asked him after the show who he was. "I'm In The Program!" "Oh - Mr. Pizzarelli such a pleasure!!" The event appeared to be sold-out. There were at least two STANDING O's (not straggling ovations) and you felt that you were in a living room performance with this team. Cannot wait to see what Mr. Pizzarelli is going to share with us in April when he returns with more Sinatra... and Billie Holliday! Get your tickets now.

Wonderful orchestra! Besides being a very good jazz guitarist, John Pizzarelli is always amusing. Cheyenne Jackson was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! WOW! What a voice! We knew every song, except "Sunday" which was beautiful. Great show Go!

John Pizzarelli was a fantastic host with a great sense of humor, and wonderful musical sense and talent. Mancini and Jackson have beautiful voices and were also great. The tribute to Sinatra felt well thought out, including a champagne and birthday cake surprise for the audience, yet also naturally breezy and off the cuff. I will definitely seek out future Pizzarelli and other engagements.

Good entertainment. Singers were good. Would give it a solid "B' rating. The band was most talented --- very good. Pizzarelli made a nice connection with the audience with his conversation and story telling. Great touch at intermission with the bubbly and cake. Just a good evening

Great singer, comedian and above all, all great guitar player.

This was such an entertaining and uplifting performance by John Pizzarelli!

Great, concert with interesting tidbits. Great guy.

I loved this concert. I always enjoy a John Pizzarelli concert. I was surprised when his usual band members didn't go on stage. His piano player, bass player and drummer are excellent. Well, I found the Ramsey Lewis trio excellent. Their solo performances were mesmerizing. I am glad he decided to perform with them. However, I do always enjoy his regular band. They are fantastic, and I hope to see them together again.

+Great renditions of songs brought to life by Nat King Cole. Not re-creations, but arrangements still true to original. Would have liked to have seen Ramsey do more of what he made famous, but it was a Cole tribute.

With all due respect, Ramsey Lewis is a legendary, master musician still at the top of his game and John Pizzarelli, while a very talented guitarist with an affable personality, is a marginal singer whose vocals detracted from the concert. This was especially disconcerting given that the concert was a tribute to the extraordinary vocalist, Nat King Cole. If not for Ramsey's brilliance I would give the concert only two stars.

Ramsey Lewis was the draw, but all performers were featured. It was great to see a legend as well as to learn more about Pizzarelli, who was both a skilled instrumentalist, a smooth vocalist and a very pleasing personality who served as the MC. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Truly great jazz by master musicians - each and every one of the four members of the quartet was an accomplished jazz craftsman - the individual riffs were a joy to hear and Ramsey Lewis is a National Treasure. John Pizzarelli is great on vocals and guitar. Performance was a true joy to experience.

Wonderful concert. Fabulous musicians. Great stories and commaraderie shared with the audience.

Lewis was good, if a bit low-key for my taste. Pizzarelli was fun, funny, energetic, a real treat.

Excellent Show!! John always puts on the best show!!

Loved the music. Sound system was not great. I wish it were longer.

Wow, what an evening! Jane Monheit's voice has matured into a finely tuned instrument. Her stylings and phrasing remind one of vintage Sinatra. We could have listened to her all evening. John Pizzarelli remains one of the finest guitarists of our time. His repertoire is so large and varied, he can go from Jazz to classical without skipping a beat. His wonderful sense of humor shows throughout his performance, and keeps it fresh and entertaining. We will definitely attend more of Ms. Monheit's and Mr. Pizzarelli's concerts.

What a fabulous evening---great choice of music, great performance and good, friendly warmth and humor. Each of his musicians is at the top of his game. We could have listened for ten more hours!

John Pizzarelli and his quartet is simply amazing. They are true artists and magnificent musicians. I have followed them for years.

John Pizzarelli always puts on a great show and combined with the wonderful voice of Jane Monheit this was just a concert of a whole lot of beautiful music.

Thoroughly enjoyable! Great entertainment in a a great venue. Three cheers for the Folly Jazz Series!

Great show! Not only is Pizzarelli a terrific jazz artist but he is a very good entertainer who puts on a lively production and is backed by great musicians.

Loved every minute! John is very entertaining in more ways than one! What a talented guitar player, story teller, and musician! I could listen to him all night long. We have several of his CD's and play them all the time! He has such a smooth voice!

As good as it gets!!! Musical heaven @ Disney Concert Hall!!!!