Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington

John Pizzarelli (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 23, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B002ZVI6YY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,851 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, March 24, 2010

By 

J. E. Mynchenberg (Chattanooga, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington (Audio CD)

I'm a Pizzarelli fan, so I knew I'd enjoy the album. Even so, I was surprised by how much I loved it. I think it's one of his best. The material is excellent, of course, and Pizzarelli has chosen wisely from Ellington's songbook. There's a nice variety of styles and moods and some very intriguing arrangements. He's chosen to blend both sung pieces and instrumentals. My favorites are C Jam Blues (an instrumental) and Satin Doll. Combining Don't Get Around Much Anymore and East St. Louis Toodle-oo took several listenings before I began to appreciate it -- the combination is so unusual -- but now i love that, too. It seems like Kurt Elling and Jessica Molaskey and Pizzarelli had a ball playing around with -- and updating the lyrics to - Perdido. The song invites you to smile along.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Tribute To Duke Ellington, March 7, 2010

By 

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington (Audio CD)

"You could that say that making a recording of songs by Jazz's greatest star, Duke Ellington, directly after making a record of songs by arguably the greatest Broadway composer of all, Richard Rodgers, is an embarrassment of riches." ~ John Pizzarelli ~

An embarrassment of riches it is indeed! After recording an impressive tribute album, With A Song In My Heart: John Pizzarelli Sings The Music of Richard Rodgers, he came up with a fabulous album that pays homage to Duke Ellington's greatness, "Rockin' In Rhythm: A Tribute To Duke Ellington." His compositions have eternal charms and timeless quality that make them appealing and endearing to the ears of jazz fans. Quite a number of great singers and musicians have recorded his body of work, but what made this album so special is its remarkable material that is full of ingenious swing arrangements by Don Sebesky and John Pizzarelli himself. Each track has something wonderful to offer. An extra delight, which is a novelty, is the addition of one of my favorite musical instruments--the violin--to the usual instruments. I have to commend a fairly new but exceptional musician Aaron Weinstein for his excellent work!

The musicians who played effortlessly and made sure that each note is executed flawlessly include Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Martin Pizzarelli (bass), Larry Fuller (piano), Tony Tadesco (drums), Tony Kadleck (trumpet), John Mosca (trombone/alto sax), Andy Fusco (alto sax/clarinet), Kenny Berger (baritone sax/bass clarinet), Harry Allen (tenor sax) and Aaron Weinstein (violin).

Kurt Elling, a recent Grammy winner, joins John Pizzarelli on an engaging and one of the best tracks, "Perdido," which showcases not only their vocal artistry but also their scatting flair while Jessica Molaskey provides the background vocals. "I'm Beginning To See The Light" and "In A Mellow Tone" are exuberant numbers that are always joy to the ears.

It's awesome that "Satin Doll," a rarely-recorded-standard, is included in the program. It is a very enjoyable rendition that is listenable with a few repeats. It has a uniquely sublime arrangement that calls for Bucky Pizzarelli's inimitable guitar solo.

The most creative track is a fusion of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" with "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" and "Saturday Dance." It ends with a sound of a gong that makes it an interesting, inventive and extraordinary rendition.

"Just Squeeze Me" is a beautiful guitar solo by the singer/guitarist/songwriter/arranger all-rolled-into-one. He plays in the tradition of his heroes and inspirations--Bucky Pizzarelli, George van Eps and Joe Pass. In addition to the delightful up-tempo numbers, he creates a streak of sentimentality to the repertoire by rendering the album's emotional highlights such as "All Too Soon," "Solitude" and "I've Got It Bad And That Ain't Good."

Here's to the timeless music of Duke Ellington! And kudos to John Pizzarelli and his "team" for keeping it alive. This is truly a fabulous tribute to Duke Ellington. Give it a listen and enjoy!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great cd, better concert, February 28, 2010

By 

D. Kalata - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rockin' In Rhythm: A Duke Ellington Tribute (MP3 Download)

i just attended the concert for this album in Boston and was floored by how good the arrangements are for this album. John ius great live show. This album is full of surprises and takes amterial around for many many years and makes it fresh. Thanks!!