Is Live at Birdland a good place to start with John Pizzarelli?

Yes, Live at Birdland is recommended as a starting point for new John Pizzarelli listeners. A vibrant live jazz experience blending storytelling with smooth guitar work and warm, engaging vocals. Released in 2003, Live at Birdland captures John Pizzarelli during a period of growing acclaim in the jazz world, following his successful albums like Let's Get Lost. At this point in his career, Pizzarelli had established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, known for his unique blend of classic standards and original compositions.

Who is Live at Birdland for?

Live at Birdland works well if you're into dynamic live performance energy, storytelling interludes between songs and wave-like pacing throughout album.

How many songs are on Live at Birdland?

Live at Birdland has 36 tracks, running approximately 132 minutes.

Live at Birdland

John Pizzarelli · 2003

132 min · 36 tracks · jazz

A vibrant live jazz experience blending storytelling with smooth guitar work and warm, engaging vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Just You, Just Me Start here — This track exemplifies Pizzarelli's ability to reinterpret jazz standards with a fresh perspective while showcasing his smooth vocal delivery and intricate guitar work.
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Isn't It a Pity? — Pizzarelli's rendition of this classic reveals his emotional depth as he infuses the song with a delicate yet poignant interpretation, enhancing its lyrical themes.
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It's Only a Paper Moon — In this performance, the interplay between Pizzarelli's guitar and vocals highlights his improvisational skills and ability to engage the audience in a timeless jazz standard.
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Mean Old Man — This track demonstrates Pizzarelli's knack for storytelling through music, blending humor and nostalgia into a lively performance that resonates with listeners.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic live performance energy
storytelling interludes between songs
wave-like pacing throughout album
for relaxed gatherings
engaging anecdotes and charm

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening
dislike live performance nuances

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album contributed to Pizzarelli's growing acclaim in the jazz world.
Career context: Released in 2003, Live at Birdland captures John Pizzarelli during a period of growing acclaim in the jazz world, following his successful albums like Let's Get Lost. At this point in his career, Pizzarelli had established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, known for his unique blend of classic standards and original compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Bucky Pizzarelli· Joe Pass· Pat Metheny

New to John Pizzarelli? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 Introduction 0:06
2 Just You, Just Me Start here 4:41
3 The Frim Fram Sauce 5:31
4 This Song Is You 6:16
5 Isn't It a Pity? 4:14
6 Rhode Island Intro 1:04
7 Rhode Island 3:45
8 Library of Congress Story 4:13
9 Gospel Truth 5:22
10 Dizzy Gillespie Story 3:14
11 Tea for Tatum 5:05
12 James Taylor (intro) 0:11
13 Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight 3:14
14 James Taylor (intro 2) 1:02
15 Mean Old Man 3:49
16 Manhattan 4:12
17 Rosemary Clooney Story 2:31
18 Moonlight Becomes You 3:18
19 Final Intro 0:29
20 Will You Still Be Mine? 4:24

Disc 2

1 Introduction 0:20
2 Three Little Words 4:30
3 They Can't Take That Away From Me 6:04
4 Oh, How My Heart Beats for You 4:27
5 The Day I Found You 3:09
6 Polliwog Story 1:44
7 It's Only a Paper Moon 7:41
8 Stompin' at the Savoy 4:44
9 Better Run Before It's Spring 3:40
10 Grover Kemble Story 2:55
11 Headed Out to Vera's 3:55
12 Medley: Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You / Baby, Baby All the Time / Midnight Blue 5:29
13 I Like Jersey Best (intro) 0:57
14 I Like Jersey Best 8:28
15 My Castle's Rockin' 3:55
16 Baby Just Come Home to Me 3:14