Customer Reviews

One Night With You: The John Pizzarelli Collection

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

 

 

I wasn't too familiar with singer John Pizzarelli, but I received this and another CD for Easter, and in nearly two months they haven't left my player! Pizzarelli is a WONDERFUL cabaret artist, he is definitely the next Sinatra. With such wonderful classics like "I'm Through With Love," "Lady Be Good," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," it sounds as if Ol' Blue Eyes has been reincarnated in Pizzarelli. He sings fourteen moving, soulful, and heartfelt songs that will make you love music all over again. A wonderful addition to anyone's CD collection!

"One Night With You: The John Pizzarelli Collection" was partly recorded 20 years ago for most of the tracks and the rest was in 1990. It contains 14 of the best songs ever written by the brilliant poets and tunesmiths of Tin Pan Alley. The charming arrangements were written by Dick Lieb and executed by a crew of the finest musicians such as Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Clark Terry (trumpet), Dave McKenna (piano), Milt Hinton, Ron Carter and Michael Moore (bass), Connie Kay and Butch Miles (drums) and Johnny Frigo (violin).

John Pizzarelli is, without a doubt, one of the most passionate interpreters of standards from the Great American Songbook. He's not only a talented guitarist/singer, but a creative songwriter and a prolific recording artist as well, which is evident with the many albums he has recorded since he started his remarkable music career.

This is just one of the most notably creative recordings on his discography that I find so enjoyable. This program kicks off with an all-time favorite Irving Berlin classic, "It Could Happen To You" where he sings and scats in a light swing fashion, and plays the guitar in the tradition of Django Reinhardt. He sings "The Touch of Your Lips" and "Candy" with new twists that made these gems alive again.

Listening to the tracks that are purely instrumentals takes my breath away especially "I'll Never Be The Same" featuring jazz violinist Johnny Frigo, who was with Jimmy Dorsey Band in the Forties, and also worked with Ray Brown, Herb Ellis and Monty Alexander. The way this tune was rendered is simply breathtaking - all I can say is wow, wow and more wow! It starts with a beautiful guitar intro and at 1:35 count, Johnny Frigo's violin made its dramatic entrance that will surely captivate your ears. The blend of guitar and violin is simply mesmerizing. I just love its soothing sound. It reminds me so much of the artistry of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. You'll also be delighted with the rest of the instrumentals from this collection - the engaging tunes such as "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me," "I'm Through With Love," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and such enchanting melodies of "Passion Flower" and "Early Autumn."

My special favorite would be an original by John Pizzarelli, "Take My Smile" a song showcasing his composing and songwriting ingenuity.

"If you should ever leave me take my smile
Might as well, I won't tell
I'll never need to use it long as you're gone
What's the use, there'd be no excuse

You see you're the only one who ever made me laugh
You gave your love to me, you were my better half
I only frown without you all the while
So if you should ever leave me take my smile

If you should ever leave me, baby please believe me
If you should ever leave me take my smile"

Through the years of listening to Mr. Pizzarelli's recordings, he has never fail to delight me with his artistry and this offering is not an exemption. It's one of his most enjoyable recordings of all-time.

A timeless listening delight! With my heartfelt recommendation.

This CD is one of my favourites and for some reason I never tire of it.A must have CD!