Generations

While it isn't unusual that a father and son appear together on a jazz album, Bucky and son John Pizzarelli probably have a more extended track record of working together in the studio or on-stage than any other pair. Bucky has been a first-call sideman for over a half-century and a prolific leader on record as well, while John has been primarily a leader during his career, yet admits in his warm liner notes that he never has to worry about getting too big a head, as a trip home will quickly cure it during a session with his father. Both musicians play seven-string electric guitars (an instrument introduced by George Van Eps) and effortlessly segue between playing lead and rhythm as they explore standards and a few less frequently heard songs. The very deliberate rendition of "I'll Remember April" is refreshing, allowing for intricate playing that isn't possible when the tune is played at the typical race-horse tempo in a jazz setting. The pair initially give Neal Hefti's "Fred" a country flavor with a loping introduction, though they quickly turn it into an intense swinger. Their jointly written composition "Graham Avenue Stroll" is a catchy tune with a bit of a jaunty side, penned in memory of Bucky's parents. Bucky plays acoustic classical guitar (with John sitting out) in Torroba's Second Movement of Sonatina and a brief interpretation of Ponce's Variation and Fugue #9 on 'La Folia.' Like all of their earlier recordings together, this CD is not just a family keepsake but one that jazz fans will treasure for generations.