Jazz artist John Pizzarelli swings into Newton Theatre
NEWTON — The John Pizzarelli quartet will perform at the Newton Theatre on Friday, June 19 at 8 p.m.
John Pizzarelli, the son of famed jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, has cultivated a winning international career by singing classic standards and late-night ballads, and by playing sublime, inventive guitar. Pizzarelli is known for his sophisticated style encompassing classic pop, jazz and swing, while setting the standard for stylish modern jazz.
Using performers like Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra and Joao Gilberto and the songs of composers from Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin to James Taylor, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Lennon & McCartney as touchstones, Pizzarelli has established himself as one of the prime interpreters and revivalists of the Great American Songbook and beyond, bringing to his work the cool jazz flavor of his guitar playing and singing.
Pizzarelli started playing guitar at age six, following in the tradition of his father. As a teenager he was able to perform with a number of great jazz musicians who would be a major influence on his work, including Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry and Slam Stewart.
Pizzarelli went out on his own after recording "My Blue Heaven" in 1990, then toured extensively, playing clubs and concert halls, opening for such greats as Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis and Rosemary Clooney. In 1993, he was honored to open for Frank Sinatra’s international tour and joined in the celebration for his 80th birthday at Carnegie Hall bringing down the house singing "I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do" with his father accompanying him. In 1997, Pizzarelli made his Broadway debut in the musical "Dream," a revue of Johnny Mercer songs.
For Pizzarelli though, his hero and foundation was Nat “King” Cole and the comparison to his iconic trio is the highest of compliments.
“I’ve always said in my concerts that Nat ‘King’ Cole is why I do what I do," said Pizzarelli.
A popular TV commercial for Foxwoods Casino has made Pizzarelli a recognizable face.
“In the Northeast, I can see people staring at me on the street. 'The Wonder Of It All' is a great tune,” he enthuses of the Don Sebesky-arranged number. “And people are calling the casino to ask ‘who’s that guy singing?’ If I’m going to be associated with a jingle, I’m happy that at least it’s something I like.”
In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as James Taylor, Natalie Cole, and Rickie Lee Jones, as well as leading jazz artists like Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, Johnny Frigo, and, of course, Bucky Pizzarelli.
He was featured opposite Donna Summer, Jon Secada and Roberta Flack on the Grammy Award-winning CD, "Songs From The Neighborhood: The Music of Mr. Rogers" in 2005. And he appears on several tracks on Paul McCartney’s album, "Kisses on the Bottom" and performed with Sir Paul at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in 2012.
Tickets for John Pizzarelli cost $59 for premium seating, $49 for orchestra and $39 for balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton.