John Pizzarelli
Meets "The Beatles"

John Pizzarelli is an excellent guitarist, a worthy son of dad Bucky: another well-known guitar player in the New York jazz scene for being not only talented and versatile himself but also a pioneer and master in the use of the 7-string guitar. Long before Steve Vai, anyway!

Coming back to John, this is a CD of impressive good taste; furthermore, the variety of arrangements makes it a masterpiece of easy listening, suitable for all uses. The arranger called to the task is simply Don Sebesky, one of the best talents on the market. In this album, John, besides playing the "jazz guitar," performs as a confidential crooner without any doubt. As he does on all his albums. Always very skilled and professional with feeling in both roles.

1. Can't Buy Me Love: played in medium-swing time with stunning clarinet and guitar entries; sudden orchestral explosions à la Stan Kenton take you by surprise.
2. I've Just Seen A Face: rendered in a fast and similar-dixieland version. An example of modesty and musical competence. 1930s jazz making a comeback.
3. Here Comes The Sun: a calm arrangement, on high-class Brazil-jazz for a piece over five minutes that is reborn to a new light. Does the text talk about the rising sun? Well: for sure, this version should be listened to from a jukebox, lying on Bahia’s beach with a beautiful "accessory" by your side!
4. Things We Said Today: walking tempo with a lot of swing. Docile orchestra ready to snap as the score commands; feline jumps for a swing that relentlessly pushes to the end.
5. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away: a piece with just voice and guitar, providing yet another superb example of good taste, class, and respect for music.
6. Eleanor Rigby: again in medium swing. From a jazz club and without voice this time. Piano solo, at times in stride. Once again, a stratospheric guitar towards the end, while dialoguing with the piano.
7. And I Love Her: dreamy and slow pace for a classic of contemporary music. Piano, strings, and voice without percussion create a wonderful atmosphere.
8. When I'm 64: back to dixieland. Clarinet and accordion conversing with the voice for a cheerful tune that you can whistle to in the morning. The initial intentions of the four Beatles fully respected.
9. Oh Darling: classic '60s piece that shines with soft light, set as a ballroom dance; with an orchestra always of great class in the background.
10. Get Back: arranged like '60s r&b; it's like listening to George Benson's "Shape of Things to Come." But a killer sax suddenly comes to remind you of the skyscrapers of Manhattan and of good contemporary jazz. The guitar follows with an incredible solo.
11. The Long & Winding Road: rendered in complete communion between voice and orchestra. No drums. A piece of great impact.
12. For No One: starts slowly and then quickly takes off, maintaining flight with a perfect and varied arrangement. Like the airplane that finally takes you home after a long journey.

A great record. To be gifted to someone you care about and whose musical tastes you are unsure of. No one will ever tell you "I liked it so-so." Among other things, THIS is the prototype of a record to keep in the car to keep you company. The four-star rating reflects the intentions of the title holder:
"I do not want to revolutionize anything; I just want to bring excellent and well-arranged music to your home."
Bravo John!!!