Customer Reviews

After Hours

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Pizzarelli does concept albums. This one is all ballads. Sound boring? Think again. From the first track "Coquette" to the last, Pizzarelli lends his unique style to one great song after another. I can't believe you could be a smooth jazz fan and not know John Pizzarelli, but if that's you, get ready for a treat. You haven't heard anything yet.

From the first track (Coquette) to the last (Stringbean) this is one great performance. The mix of songs is first rate and the sound is excellent. I now have 6 cds by John and I would have to rate this as the best. So if you have never listened to his music, this would be a great CD to purchase and become aquainted with this very talented performer.

I've heard most of these songs many times, but not the way John Pizzarelli does them. He's not a great singer, but what style! After listening to these songs, you'll find yourself humming or singing them over and over. The music is very close up and intimate. It's among my collection of favorites.

I have all of John's albums, including his newest, but this one is the very best. I love every song on After Hours and he sings them with warmth, originality and style. He's the best. I want more.

We love J. Pizzarelli's work He's a highly talented guitarist and very underrated. This CD is terrific.

"After Hours" is one of my very favorite John Pizzarelli CDs from my collection. It features himself on vocals and electric guitar, his brother Martin on bass and Ray Kennedy on piano, plus his Dad Bucky Pizzarelli on acoustic rhythm guitar, Harry Allen on tenor sax, Randy Sandke on trumpet and Joe Cocuzzo on drums. Its interpretations and arrangements are so welcoming. After one listen your ears will be requesting for one more listen, then two more! That's how good this album is.

You'll enjoy listening to these beautiful time-tested standards penned by the greatest songwriters and composers of all-time. Make it a very enjoyable listening experience as he sings two of Gershwins' classics "They Can't Take That Away From Me," and "But Not For Me," Rodgers & Hammerstein's "It Might As Well Be Spring," Gordon & Goulding "Mam'selle," Hillard & Mann's "In The Wee Small Hours," Caesar, Gray & Youmans' "Sometimes I'm Happy" and Kahn, Malneck & Signorelli's "I'll Never Be The Same."

John Pizzarelli is not only one of the greatest interpreters of the popular standards and a guitar master who plays with sensitivity and style, but also a composer in his own right for two of the tracks here are his very own original compositions "Be My Baby Tonight" and "Lullaby."

My very highlight from this collection is a classic from Sammy Cahn's creative songwriter's mind with its beautiful melody composed by Jule Styne "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry." Sammy Cahn was an eloquently brilliant lyricist who had a way with words and all his works are so remarkable. John Pizzarelli's heartfelt reading of this achingly beautiful song is one of the best interpretations ever recorded. It starts with a charming piano intro by Ray Kennedy then bridges and closes with the sparkling voice of John Pizzarelli's guitar, and of course in between, his soft and mellow vocals.

The torch I carry is handsome
It's worth its heartache in ransom
And when the twilight steals
I know how the lady in the harbor feels ...

When I want rain, I get sunny weather
I'm just as blue as the sky
Since love is gone, can't pull myself together
Guess I'll hang my tears out to dry

Friends ask me out, I tell them "I'm busy"
Must get a new alibi
I stay at home and asked myself, "Where is he?"
Guess I'll hang my tears out to dry

Dry little teardrops, My little teardrops
Hanging on a string of dreams
Fly little memories, my little memories
Remind him of our crazy schemes

Somebody said, "Just forget about him"
I gave that treatment a try
Strangely enough I got along without him
Then one day he passed me right by ...
Oh well, I guess I'll hang my tears out to dry.

A very lovely listening affair.

If you are looking for guitar virtuosity then this is NOT the CD to buy. John Pizzarelli, unlike his father, Bucky, fashions himself a vocalist. He has a light nasal voice with limited range which is pleasant enough but unexceptional. The background and arrangements are good and the selections are, for the most part, familiar but this is John Pizzarelli as a singer not a guitarist.

Such a great CD with wonderful voice & music. Really puts me in a great mood! Thanks, John!

Impossible for me to imagine anyone with the slightest degree of elevation in musical taste not enjoying this CD. The musicianship, arrangements, and performances are captivating. The entertainment value is far higher than the price. Highly recommended

This is one the best Cds I own so far. All the songs are delightful to listen to!