John Pizzarelli Quartet performs holiday show at Kenan Auditorium
By Pam Creech
Contributing Writer
The world-renowned John Pizzarelli Quartet will swing into town to perform a holiday jazz concert. The show will take place at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Kenan Auditorium at 8 p.m.
Pizzarelli, an established guitarist and vocalist, started playing the guitar at age six. As a teenager, he played with garage bands and eventually performed with famous jazz musicians, such as Benny Goodman and Les Paul, who influenced his work. Pizzarelli has recorded 23 solo albums, 10 albums with his father, Bucky Pizzarelli, and four albums with his wife, Jessica Molaskey.
In 1990, Pizzarelli recorded “My Blue Heaven,” which led to an extensive tour and to opening for greats such as Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis. In 1993, he opened for Frank Sinatra’s international tour and joined Sinatra’s birthday celebration at Carnegie Hall singing “I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do.” In 2006, Pizzarelli released “Dear Mr. Sinatra,” which features the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and includes beloved classics such as “Ring A Ding” and “The Last Dance.”
However, Pizzarelli’s greatest inspiration is Nat “King” Cole. Two of Pizzarelli’s albums, “Dear Mr. Cole” and “P.S. Mr. Cole,” are devoted to music made famous by the beloved artist. Pizzarelli’s album repertoire also includes a collection of swing classics (“Our Love is Here to Stay”), a holiday disc (“Let’s Share Christmas”) and “John Pizzarelli Meets the Beatles,” a set of swing covers of classic Beatles hits.
Pizzarelli’s 2008 album, “With a Song in My Heart” was nominated for a Grammy. The collection pays homage to the legendary composer Richard Rogers with “The Lady is a Tramp” and “Johnny One Note,” along with songs from South Pacific and The King and I.
Pizzarelli has also made guest appearances on the albums of Paul McCartney and James Taylor.
“I’ve been a John Pizzarelli fan for years. He’s a world-class jazz performer,” said Norman Bemelmans, UNCW’s Cultural Arts Director. “He’s a real entertainer in addition to being a great musician.”
While Bemelmans has never heard Pizzarelli’s quartet perform live, he’s been to Pizzarelli’s solo concerts and has spoken with him offstage. “He’s an easy-going, amiable personality, and all that comes across in his performance,” Bemelmans said. “He sings with such enthusiasm.”
While Pizzarelli will perform an array of swing classics, he will also throw in some jazzy holiday hits. “They’ll do some unique jazz styling,” Bemelmans said.
Bemelmans, who has no doubt that the quartet’s concert will live up to Pizzarelli’s previous performances, is excited to host the show at UNCW. “This is his first visit to Southeastern North Carolina. It’s a unique opportunity,” he said.
The quartet is also composed of brother Martin Pizzarell on double-bass, drummer Tony Tedesco and pianist Larry Fuller.
Tickets range from $25-$45. To purchase tickets, visit www.uncw.edu/arts/JohnPizzarelli.html or call 910-962-3500.
