Search - John Pizzarelli :: Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington

Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
John Pizzarelli
Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
Singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli, a master in the art of reinventing jazz classics, celebrates the music of Duke Ellington, undeniably one of the most prominent musical icons of the 20th century. Rockin' In Rhythm: A Tribu...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: John Pizzarelli
Title: Rockin in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Telarc
Original Release Date: 1/1/2010
Re-Release Date: 2/23/2010
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style: Tributes
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 0888072319219, 888072319219

Synopsis

Album Description
Singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli, a master in the art of reinventing jazz classics, celebrates the music of Duke Ellington, undeniably one of the most prominent musical icons of the 20th century. Rockin' In Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington is Pizzarelli's first ever Ellington recording. Pizzarelli was still a very young musician when Ellington died in May 1974, but thanks to his father - veteran guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli - he would eventually learn much about jazz's most important composer. "Duke's music was an integral part of any set my father played," says Pizzarelli. "I heard a tremendous amount of his music listening to my Dad and then through performing with him. There are some many beautiful melodies and so many discoveries to be made on any given night." Like Ellington, Pizzarelli crafts his performances to spotlight the talents of his band members. In addition to a solo track ("Just Squeeze Me"), four songs on Rockin' In Rhythm showcases his quartet - pianist Larry Fuller, bassist/brother Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco - and seven tracks include the Swing Seven horns with arrangements by Don Sebesky. Rockin' In Rhythm combines the enduring work of Duke Ellington with John Pizzarelli's incredible ability to reinterpret the Great American Songbook. Pizzarelli says, "Don Sebesky surprised us all at the session when, after the `keeper' take of `C Jam,' he said that we should `thank Pizzarelli for getting us all together to play Duke Ellington.' Well, I am grateful that when I chose to salute such an American icon as Duke Ellington, I had such tremendous friends and associates to help realize my dream."

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

A Fabulous Tribute To Duke Ellington
Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 03/08/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

""You could that say that making a recording of songs by Jazz's greatest star, Duke Ellington, directly after making a record of songs by arguably the greatest Broadway composer of all, Richard Rodgers, is an embarrassment of riches." ~ John Pizzarelli ~



An embarrassment of riches it is indeed! After recording an impressive tribute album, With A Song In My Heart: John Pizzarelli Sings The Music of Richard Rodgers, he came up with a fabulous album that pays homage to Duke Ellington's greatness, "Rockin' In Rhythm: A Tribute To Duke Ellington." His compositions have eternal charms and timeless quality that make them appealing and endearing to the ears of jazz fans. Quite a number of great singers and musicians have recorded his body of work, but what made this album so special is its remarkable material that is full of ingenious swing arrangements by Don Sebesky and John Pizzarelli himself. Each track has something wonderful to offer. An extra delight, which is a novelty, is the addition of one of my favorite musical instruments--the violin--to the usual instruments. I have to commend a fairly new but exceptional musician Aaron Weinstein for his excellent work!



The musicians who played effortlessly and made sure that each note is executed flawlessly include Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Martin Pizzarelli (bass), Larry Fuller (piano), Tony Tadesco (drums), Tony Kadleck (trumpet), John Mosca (trombone/alto sax), Andy Fusco (alto sax/clarinet), Kenny Berger (baritone sax/bass clarinet), Harry Allen (tenor sax) and Aaron Weinstein (violin).



Kurt Elling, a recent Grammy winner, joins John Pizzarelli on an engaging and one of the best tracks, "Perdido," which showcases not only their vocal artistry but also their scatting flair while Jessica Molaskey provides the background vocals. "I'm Beginning To See The Light" and "In A Mellow Tone" are exuberant numbers that are always joy to the ears.



It's awesome that "Satin Doll," a rarely-recorded-standard, is included in the program. It is a very enjoyable rendition that is listenable with a few repeats. It has a uniquely sublime arrangement that calls for Bucky Pizzarelli's inimitable guitar solo.



The most creative track is a fusion of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" with "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" and "Saturday Dance." It ends with a sound of a gong that makes it an interesting, inventive and extraordinary rendition.



"Just Squeeze Me" is a beautiful guitar solo by the singer/guitarist/songwriter/arranger all-rolled-into-one. He plays in the tradition of his heroes and inspirations--Bucky Pizzarelli, George van Eps and Joe Pass. In addition to the delightful up-tempo numbers, he creates a streak of sentimentality to the repertoire by rendering the album's emotional highlights such as "All Too Soon," "Solitude" and "I've Got It Bad And That Ain't Good."



Here's to the timeless music of Duke Ellington! And kudos to John Pizzarelli and his "team" for keeping it alive. This is truly a fabulous tribute to Duke Ellington. Give it a listen and enjoy!"
Great cd, better concert
D. Kalata | 03/01/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)

"i just attended the concert for this album in Boston and was floored by how good the arrangements are for this album. John ius great live show. This album is full of surprises and takes amterial around for many many years and makes it fresh. Thanks!!"
Wow!
J. E. Mynchenberg | Chattanooga, TN | 03/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a Pizzarelli fan, so I knew I'd enjoy the album. Even so, I was surprised by how much I loved it. I think it's one of his best. The material is excellent, of course, and Pizzarelli has chosen wisely from Ellington's songbook. There's a nice variety of styles and moods and some very intriguing arrangements. He's chosen to blend both sung pieces and instrumentals. My favorites are C Jam Blues (an instrumental) and Satin Doll. Combining Don't Get Around Much Anymore and East St. Louis Toodle-oo took several listenings before I began to appreciate it -- the combination is so unusual -- but now i love that, too. It seems like Kurt Elling and Jessica Molaskey and Pizzarelli had a ball playing around with -- and updating the lyrics to - Perdido. The song invites you to smile along."