John Pizzarelli – Let There Be Love

John Pizzarelli / Various Artists
Let There Be Love
(Telarc Jazz – 2000)
by Paula Edelstein

Some singers are stylists who master the specifics of a genre, but John Pizzarelli brings anything he sings to his own turf. John Pizzarelli plays and sings 15 great love songs on his sophomore release for Telarc Jazz, LET THERE BE LOVE. The guitarist has chosen early Tin Pan Alley songs, the rhythm songs of the Forties and Fifties, along with four original compositions by John, and collaborations with his wife Jessica Molaskey and bassist Ray Kennedy to relay the all powerful emotion. “Love,” and “Don’t Be That Way” are among the songs that ” reflect the universality of love over time” and after playing this CD several times, I must say that John Pizzarelli is one of the few male vocalists that can pull off the sentiment and honesty of these great standards.

“These Foolish Things” and “Stompin’ At The Savoy” have elegant new arrangements that exude romance. Accompanied by Harry Allen on tenor sax, Dominic Cortese on accordion, Ray Kennedy on piano, Jesse Levy on cello, Ken Peplowski on clarinet, Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar, Martin Pizzarelli on bass and Tony Tedesco on brushes, John’s departure from the trio format is a welcome change and gives his fans the opportunity to really enjoy the songs with a more complete sound while still retaining their intimacy. Love songs they are and because love is still the greatest musical theme of all time, John sings them that way. So here’s to the lover in us all. LET THERE BE LOVE is warm, sincere and inviting, so snuggle up to the one you love and enjoy.