John Pizzarelli: Rodgers, Hart And The Gershwins, Too
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Session Spotlight: John Pizzarelli Performs 'I Got Rhythm'
John Pizzarelli: Rodgers, Hart And The Gershwins, Too
More From The Session
'I Like to Recognize the Tune' (Rodgers & Hart)
'They Can't Take That Away From Me' (Gershwin)
John Pizzarelli. Timothy White hide caption
Over the past decade or so, singer and guitarist John Pizzarelli has become one of our favorite guest performers. He's engaging, energetic and always ready to have a little fun — and this session was a lot of fun. Right off the bat, Pizzarelli scatted along to his lightning-fast guitar work on "I Got Rhythm," the popular George and Ira Gershwin song, an entertaining feat in itself.
In between the three songs that he performed, Pizzarelli talked about the influence of his father, Bucky Pizzarelli (who might be the greatest living rhythm-guitar player), how songwriting has changed over the past 40 years or so, and why all of those great standards that comprise "The Great American Songbook" are immortal. And if you're not exactly sure what "The Great American Songbook" is, just listen. In this studio session, John Pizzarelli will give you names, dates and some examples that swing like crazy and will probably make you smile. Who could ask for more?
Originally recorded Feb. 25, 2009.
Listen to the previous Favorite Session, or see our full archive.