Last March I spoke to jazz guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli who had released his third record devoted to the songs made popular by Nat “King” Cole. At the time he told me, “I’m promoting myself, but this guy got me here.” The John Pizzarelli Trio will celebrate Cole in four performances beginning on Thursday at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood.
Cole was a true hit-maker. He had over 150 singles that reached the top of various charts. He sold over 50 million records. His recordings of songs such as “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable” and “The Christmas Song” are considered the definitive versions of those songs. Sadly, his career was cut short at the age of 45 due to lung cancer (he had been a heavy smoker.)
Pizzarelli who has recorded nearly 30 albums as a leader, released For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole earlier this year on Ghostlight Records. The album finds him and his trio (Mike Karn on double bass and Konrad Paszudzki on piano) performing songs he’s previously recorded, but with new arrangements, and songs he had yet to record for his two previous albums that celebrated Cole (Dear Mr. Cole and P.S. Mister Cole).
Pizzarelli is truly a fan of Cole’s and you should check out the interview we published in March where he clearly defines what makes Cole and his music so important for him.
Sadly we don’t have the opportunity to see Cole in person any longer. But with the John Pizzarelli Trio we can get a sense of the joy, the heartbreak and the pure musicianship that was Nat “King” Cole.
For tickets go here.
On August 19th they will perform at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz.
August 20th and 21st they will perform at Yoshi’s in Oakland.
Photo of John Pizzarelli courtesy of the artist’s website.