concert review: John Pizzarelli @ The Dakota 4-9-17

Yours truly saw John Pizzarelli with his quartet at The Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant on Sunday, April 9th, 2017.  The most significant part of the show, I would say, was when Pizzarelli and his quartet (so, he was the star as he guitarist/vocalist, along with a pianist, a bassist, and a drummer), played in succession, a number of songs, that were co-written, by the great Johnny Mercer.  Mercer teamed with writers such as Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, Henry Mancini, and Marvin Hamlisch.  The show in and of itself, including spoofs on some other popular artists towards the end, was great, as Pizzarelli is a master of combining music, and a dose of dry humor.

Pizzarelli's performances of Johnny Mercer’s songs were the highlights of the evening.  Four Mercer compositions were in the set list, including "Something's Gotta Give", "Skylark", "Jamboree Jones", and his best known WW. II. hit "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positives".  Plus, he pulled out a rendition, of "How High The Moon" which was written and recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford.  Towards the show's end, the dry humor kicked in and Pizzarelli and his quartet, spoofed songs by such legends of music as Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, and The Beach Boys.  His talents for blending his skill as a guitarist and jazz singer, with quick wit and a true love for some of the great lyricists of our time, made the evening fun and enjoyable for all in attendance.