Pizzarelli Party

One of several projects for father and son guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and John Pizzarelli, this effort lives up to its "party" title. It includes various sung and played show tunes, jams, and quite a few originals from the younger Pizzarelli in this famous jazz family. Martin Pizzarelli is added on bass, while vocalists John P., Rebecca Kilgore, and Jessica Molaskey convene for a three-generation front line that appears on select tracks. The potent front line is a dandy, with violinist Aaron Weinstein and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen providing the sweet harmonies and melodies, while pianist Larry Fuller adds more than ample support in the rhythm section with the guitarists. The clever songs that dominate this collection are, for the most, part endearing without being campy, while the high-level musicianship keeps things rollin' along from start to finish. Kilgore and Molaskey sing on two tunes, the cute "We Take on the Town" and the reflective standard "I Knew Him When," spanning the cunning to sad and lonely spectrum. When Weinstein and Allen play together, the result is pure attraction, whether during the easy blues "Strollin' Over to Nola," the hot and sweaty "Joe & Zoot," or the stomp down "Somebody Call Hanly," replete with hilarious "call for help" scat from John Pizzarelli. Both guitarists solo during the intro of "Sweet & Lovely" before Fuller takes over, evoking the title perfectly, while an upbeat jam on "I'll See You in My Dreams" has the band at full-bore open throttle, wittily quoting "After You've Gone." The lone feature for the elder Pizzarelli comes up on his original "Check Out This" in a daunting, easy as pie swing, while John Pizzarelli sings in his usual heartfelt, cool manner during "Under a Blanket of Blue." The recording succeeds on several levels because the program mixes up styles and soloists, with nobody really dominating, though the horns and especially the tasteful and complementary piano playing of Fuller deserve a closer listen. It's good to hear John Pizzarelli contributing new material aside from singing pop-jazz standards, and his dad is in good company with like-minded musicians from younger generations. The Pizzarelli Party is one with an extended invitation to all, and comes easily recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi