P.S. Mr. Cole cover

P.S. Mr. Cole

John Pizzarelli · 1999

67 min · 18 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of swing and classic jazz standards infused with Pizzarelli's warm guitar tones and charming vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Walkin' My Baby Back Home Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    I Love You For Sentimental Reasons — This track features Pizzarelli's heartfelt vocal delivery paired with intricate guitar work, capturing the essence of romantic nostalgia that permeates the album.
  • →
    Candy — Pizzarelli breathes new life into this classic tune with a playful arrangement and engaging rhythm, making it a standout example of his interpretive style.
  • →
    Embraceable You — The arrangement showcases Pizzarelli's ability to balance tenderness with virtuosity, illustrating both emotional depth and technical skill.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Pizzarelli blends swing and classic jazz standards with engaging guitar work and vocals, creating a solid tribute to Nat King Cole.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of swing rhythms across most tracks, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
  • Several tracks include subtle variations in tempo and dynamics, allowing for moments of tension and release within the smooth flow of the music.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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 transitions between tracks
  • evening relaxation with friends
  • nostalgic warmth and charm
  • playful moments with rhythmic flair
  • inviting sing-alongs during gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer fast-paced, instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Highlights Pizzarelli's growth and homage to Nat King Cole, marking a significant artistic moment.
Career context
Released in 1999, P.S. Mr. Cole was John Pizzarelli's sixth studio album, showcasing his growth as a jazz guitarist and vocalist. By this time, Pizzarelli had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following the success of his earlier works and collaborations with legends like Nat King Cole.
Stylistic neighbors
Bucky Pizzarelli· Joe Pass· Pat Metheny

Tracklist

  • 1 Walkin' My Baby Back Home Start here 2:30
  • 2 Candy 5:32
  • 3 Welcome To The Club 3:21
  • 4 Indiana 3:22
  • 5 I Love You For Sentimental Reasons 2:52
  • 6 Don't Let It Go To Your Head 2:22
  • 7 Meet Me At No Special Place 3:19
  • 8 The Late Late Show 3:06
  • 9 Smile 3:51
  • 10 Tenderly 4:16
  • 11 I Was A Little Too Lonely 3:26
  • 12 I'm An Errand Boy For Rhythm 3:34
  • 13 Then I'll Be Tired Of You 4:02
  • 14 That's Nat 3:04
  • 15 Azure-Te 3:51
  • 16 I Know That You Know 3:42
  • 17 Embraceable You 3:27
  • 18 I Like Jersey Best 7:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata