Customer Reviews

Live at Birdland

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The latest from John Pizzarelli is pure joy. These 2 discs capture his incredible talent on the guitar, his captivating voice and his incredible sense of humor. He's as hip and quick on his feet as they come. Someone should sign him up for his own TV show -- he's a real gem. The selections are just great --he chose some of his best songs along with standards that are sensational. Ray Kennedy never sounded better -- especially on "The Gospel Truth" -- which takes your breath away. Martin Pizarelli gives the whole thing a grounding, beautiful background. And Grover Kemble swings like crazy with John on "This Castle's Rockin'. Wow. Congratulations. This is one of my favorite cds of all time.

It's no secret. I am a fan of John Pizzarelli. He has the guitar skills of his father combined with a comfortable (though not strong)singing voice. His interaction with the audience captures a mood and personality which makes the music jump out of your speakers and into your hearts. Like Harry Chapin, John can tell a story and keep you interested. It was wonderful to hear about his run in at the Library of Congress. But with that you get great music, and when he invites NJ local Grover Kemble (who?) onto the stage to join him, that castle starts Rockin'!
Other highlights include the original compostion of Ray Kennedy "Gospel Truth", and an extended version of the J.P.T. Standard "I Like Jersey Best" - with more versions than you've ever heard before ("In my mind. I'm going to New Jersey")...

I would encourage everyone to check out this album... Better yet, buy it!

this has got to be my favourite album,great arrangements and very entertaining.This is one of the best trios around,Ray Kennedy is an astounding piano player, and Martin Pizzarelli is one of the most solid bass players around.Please someone tell me why John Pizzarelli isn`t a household name, he`s a rare talent. J.P swings through an assortment of standards plus his own compositions i.e the ballad "better run before it`s spring" and the "polliwog song".Both these songs are delightful and beautifully played.John`s vocals and jazz guitar are superb throughout this double album.Buy at least two albums just in case you wear one out with continuous use.

this cd contains terrific live versions of past "hits" of this tremendous trio(oh, how my heart beats for you, three little words) and new arrangements i had never heard before(a touching "Manhattan", isn't it a pity and just you,just me). it is full of spontanaiety , humor and musicianship. these are NOT rehashes of previous cd's. they are to me what this trio is all about live. a must have!

You can tell that he feels every note played. I usually don't care for guitar music but he is one of the greats.

If you ever get the chance to see John Pizzarelli live, do it. You won't regret it. My best friend & I saw him a couple months ago - he finally came to AZ - and we got to meet John briefly after the show. He's a totally cool guy, really down to earth.

So I've owned most of Pizzarelli's albums over the last 5-10 years and I'm actually so-so on a few of them. Some are definitely better than others; but after awhile, they've all sort of blended together for me. John is almost too prolific; it seems like he turns out a new CD every 6 months.

So that is why I like this 'Live at Birdland' best. It really shows off a different side of John Pizzarelli vs. what you don't get on his many studio albums. The live set is a lot funner, more upbeat, and generally happier.

Normally I'm against a lot of intro's/ song background info/ talking segments, but they really work on here. Pizzarelli has such a natural storytelling voice & way about him that he is really enjoyable to listen to.

It also contains the hands-down best version of 'I Like Jersey Best' - because you can really feel the crowd laughing along at the different versions.

There are a TON of John Pizzarelli cd's out there to buy, but this is my favorite of his. Overall, it's a very enjoyable set and it's the next best thing to seeing him play live.

Anyone who knows about jazz knows that it is best captured live. This album features these three men in top form. John's voice and phrasing couldn't be any smoother or precise, and for someone who sings as well as he does he is quite equal on the guitar. Ray's piano playing is so swingin' on the uptempo songs and so smooth on the ballads. Martin's bass playing never misses a beat and keeps the trio swingin' as hard as ever. The trio does a very good repertoire between uptempo, ballads, and originals. Alone from all of the excellent music they even have some crowd interaction to which you can hear that the crowd is having a great time.

If you are a fan of jazz vocals, hard driving swing, or music that makes you feel good then you have to put this 2-CD set in your music collection.

It's a fine cd if you've never seen John Pizzarelli live. But if you have, there's no reason to bother with this. Half the songs are the same ones he was doing live 5 years ago. The best song on the cd, I Like Jersey Best, is an exact duplicate of the arrangement on PS Mr. Cole. There's just too many other excellent cd's out there to invest in this one. As far as this cd goes, he's done it all before. Many times.

Although I agree with the first reviewer on most points, I have to admit I dislike John's singing. Much too nasal for me, and insufficient range. I wish John had taken some singing lessons because it does sound like he has it in him. However, you may very well disagree with my opinion because many vocal enthusiasts don't mind a nasal sound at all. On to the instruments then: no complaints at all, in fact, I really like the performance and the way that the recording brings in the audience, but not too much. I will not be buying any more Pizarelli, but don't let me stop you.