John Pizzarelli, performing in a quartet at Kresge Auditorium tonight at 7:30 p.m., is no small fish in the sea of great jazz musicians. Bowdoin lured Pizzarelli to Bowdoin by promising him a "full appreciative audience," according to the Music Department's concert, budget and equipment manager Delmar Small.
"The setting is informal," said Small. "This is a performance that he can just enjoy."
Having traveled the world for the last 25 years performing and recording music as a jazz singer/guitarist, Pizzarelli has left his mark as a leading interpreter of the great American songbook. The songs in his repertoire hearken back to an earlier era, and are written by the likes of Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Henry Mancini, and originally sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, and Sarah Vaughn, among others. Pizzarelli has revived these classics, interpreting them in an original fashion and increasing their availability to a new generation of listeners.
Pizzarelli began playing the guitar at the age of six, following in the footsteps of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. Young John began to play with his father at the age of 20 and soon struck out on his own.
Professor James McCalla, who is currently teaching a course on the history of jazz, suggested Pizzarelli to the Bowdoin Music Department.
"We make an effort to coordinate concerts and courses when we can," said Small.
McCalla heard Pizzarelli on a satellite radio station and took steps to bring him to Bowdoin.
"Every fall we try to bring in a major jazz performer," said McCalla. "It's been a long time since we had a jazz singer/guitarist."
Pizzarelli made a name for himself by singing classics and late-night ballads that infused old styles with innovative improvisation. The musician has made the music of the Beatles and James Taylor his own, as well as that of Frank Sinatra and George Gershwin. His allure stems from this combination of classic elements and creative flair.
"His music appeals to a broad spectrum. The concert is sold out, which I am very happy to see," said McCalla.
In March 2005, Pizzarelli released the album Knowing You,, which pays homage to many of the musicians and songwriters he has met during the course of his career. It will be on sale in the lobby tonight.
Performing alongside Pizzarelli will be Tony Monte on piano, Martin Pizzarelli on bass, and Tony Tedesco on the drums.