John Pizzarelli

Hailed by critics as one of the most accomplished interpreters of the Great American Songbook, John Pizzarelli is known for his brilliant guitar work and smooth vocals. In a career that has produced eighteen recordings and gained international recognition, John has brought classic standards and late night ballads to a new generation ready to swing and swoon. From Carnegie Hall to Melrose Place, John has gained a wide following from his numerous stage, screen and television appearances and is setting the standard for stylish, modern jazz.

As a native of Paterson, New Jersey, John Pizzarelli has been playing guitar since age six, following in the tradition of his father, jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. Hanging out with his dad, the young Pizzarelli was exposed to all the great jazz music of the era and at twenty years old, John began his professional career along side his famous father. John later ventured out on his own, and in 1982, formed The John Pizzarelli Trio.

The John Pizzarelli Trio with Ray Kennedy on piano and brother Martin Pizzarelli on bass, has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. They were chosen to open tour dates for Frank Sinatra and appeared at the opening of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The trio earned rave reviews, often comparing the young John Pizzarelli to the jazz greats who inspired him. The New York Times stated "Mr. Pizzarelli conjured strong echos of Nat 'King' Cole in his singing and Les Paul in his playing. Far from conflicting, these influences are smoothly integrated into a personal vision of jazz heaven as a place that's cozy but cool." "We can say that we're as lucky to listen to Pizzarelli as Nat 'King' Cole fans were in the year before he became a legend," wrote The Village Voice. Fans agree. In 1999, they voted John Pizzarelli "Jazz Vocalist of the Year" in a Swing Journal Readers Poll.

For Pizzarelli, the comparison to the Nat "King" Cole trio is the highest of compliments. "I've always said in my concerts that Nat 'King' Cole is why I do what I do. I was fortunate enough to meet (Cole's widow) Maria Cole, and she mentioned that when she saw us on television, she said, 'My God, it's The Trio.' I couldn't believe she said that to me." But John quickly adds, "We weren't trying to copy him. Their sound was so singular and inspired. I've always said that we are an extension, a contemporary version of what that group was."

Under the influence of greats like Nat "King" Cole and Frank Sinatra and using the songs of Sammy Cahn, George and Ira Gershwin and Jimmy Van Heusen as touchstones, Pizzarelli adds the cool flavor of his guitar to the eloquence of these masters with intoxicating results. "Far from evoking the hedonistic highs of sex, drugs, sports and gourmet food, [Pizzarelli's] music portrays the kind of joy that sneaks up on you at odd moments when you're just walking around feeling good," wrote Stephen Holden in The New York Times.

Taking time off from a busy touring schedule, John Pizzarelli made his Broadway debut in Dream opposite Lesley Ann Warren and has also spent some time in Hollywood. In addition to a memorable guest spot on Melrose Place, the Trio has appeared on the Tonight Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, CBS This Morning, NBC's Today Show and CNN. The John Pizzarelli Trio was also featured in the Goldie Hawn, Steve Martin film The Out of Towners and has recorded tracks for such films as the Ready to Wear, Forget Paris, and last year's critically acclaimed Two Family House.

Never straying far from a live audience, The John Pizzarelli Trio has once again embarked on a nationwide tour to support their new album Let There Be Love currently available on Telarc Records.