John Pizzarelli interview

 

John Pizzarelli grew up playing jazz standards with his father. But it was Nat King Cole’s repertoire that led the swing guitarist and vocalist to add a personal touch to the Great American Songbook. Pizzarelli joins jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis in “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” a tribute to bandleader and pop star Cole, October 13, 2016, at Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium. Heather Longley speaks with Pizzarelli about why he gave up rock music for jazz standards, his international fan base, and the evolution of his clothing style. An excerpt of “Smile” from Pizzarelli’s album “Dear Mr. Cole” enhances the webcast. Music copyright 1994 BMG Victor, Inc. Visit http://cpa.psu.edu for more information.