John Pizzarelli - Knowing You (2005)

Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli returns with another solid collection of tastefully swinging standards on Knowing You. Never straying too far from what he does best, Pizzarelli is nonetheless an exciting improviser and pleasing vocalist who always finds a way to make an old chestnut of a tune his own. Here, his rapport withsuch longtime bandmates as pianist Ray Kennedy, bassist Martin Pizzarelli, and drummer Tony Tedesco is instinctual, full of humor, and filled with call-and-response interplay. To these ends, Pizzarelli has compiled an enjoyable set of well- and lesser-known standards, including the sprightly swinger "Coffee, Black," the elegantly mellow "The Shadow of Your Smile," and the sweetly unexpected Brian Wilson classic "God Only Knows." That interesting song choice and the Rupert Holmes-esque original title track also show Pizzarelli's ability to push his talents into contemporary areas without alienating his fan base. Also joining in are Pizzarelli's wife, vocalist Jessica Molaskey, along with pianist Larry Goldings, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, and others. ~ Matt Collar

Personnel: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); John Pizzarelli; Ray Kennedy (piano); Martin Pizzarelli (bass instrument); Jessica Molaskey (vocals); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Larry Goldings (piano, organ); Tony Monte, César Camargo Mariano (piano); Tony Tedesco (drums).