Is New Standards a good place to start with John Pizzarelli?

Yes, New Standards is recommended as a starting point for new John Pizzarelli listeners. A smooth blend of jazz and pop standards, infused with playful interpretations and Pizzarelli's signature guitar work. Released in 1994, New Standards marked John Pizzarelli's growing recognition within the jazz scene as he transitioned from a talented sideman to a leading figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed his previous works that showcased his guitar skills and vocal talents, solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist capable of charming audiences with both classic and original compositions.

Who is New Standards for?

New Standards works well if you're into smooth vocals for relaxed evenings, wave-like pacing with emotional peaks and for intimate gatherings.

How many songs are on New Standards?

New Standards has 15 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

New Standards

John Pizzarelli · 1994

55 min · 15 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of jazz and pop standards, infused with playful interpretations and Pizzarelli's signature guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fools Fall in Love Start here — This track showcases Pizzarelli's ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion, exemplifying his unique vocal style paired with intricate guitar work.
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Beautiful Maria of My Soul — Pizzarelli's rendition brings a romantic warmth to this classic, highlighting his smooth vocals and nuanced phrasing that breathe new life into the song.
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Why Do People Fall in Love — The arrangement emphasizes Pizzarelli's skillful guitar playing while exploring the complexities of love through clever lyrics and engaging rhythms.
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Come On-A My House — His playful interpretation adds a lively swing to this standard, showcasing his knack for engaging storytelling through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

Pizzarelli's guitar work shines in this smooth blend of jazz and pop standards, showcasing both skill and creativity.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of guitar as the lead instrument, with Pizzarelli's intricate fingerpicking style driving most tracks.
Several tracks incorporate playful tempo changes, such as shifting from swing to bossa nova within the same piece.
The arrangement often includes subtle backing harmonies and rhythmic support from a small ensemble, enhancing the melodic lines without overshadowing them.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth vocals for relaxed evenings
wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
for intimate gatherings
headphone detail hunting moments
nostalgic charm in every track

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tempos
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Pizzarelli's rise in popularity and recognition in contemporary jazz.
Career context: Released in 1994, New Standards marked John Pizzarelli's growing recognition within the jazz scene as he transitioned from a talented sideman to a leading figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed his previous works that showcased his guitar skills and vocal talents, solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist capable of charming audiences with both classic and original compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Bucky Pizzarelli· Joe Pass· Pat Metheny