What is the best John Pizzarelli album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Let There Be Love" (2000). It's the most representative of what makes John Pizzarelli worth hearing.

What are the best John Pizzarelli albums?

The essential John Pizzarelli albums include "Let's Share Christmas", "My Blue Heaven" (1990), "All of Me" (1992), "Naturally" (1993) and "Dear Mr. Cole" (1994).

How many albums does John Pizzarelli have?

John Pizzarelli has 45 releases in their discography, including 44 albums.

Photo: Wikijazz · CC BY-SA 3.0

John Pizzarelli

Q: Who is John Pizzarelli for?

If you're into jazz, John Pizzarelli is worth your time. With a warm, buoyant groove punctuated by intricate guitar lines and rhythmic interplay, Pizzarelli’s music dances between structured melodies and spontaneous flourishes.

With a warm, buoyant groove punctuated by intricate guitar lines and rhythmic interplay, Pizzarelli’s music dances between structured melodies and spontaneous flourishes.

jazz

United States

Read about John Pizzarelli on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Let There Be Love album by John Pizzarelli

Let There Be Love (2000)

Showcases Pizzarelli's warm sound and intricate guitar work, blending jazz standards with a cohesive listening experience that's easy to engage with.

The song

“I'm Hip (Please Don't Tell My Father)” from I'm Hip (Please Don't Tell My Father)

Features an engaging hook and highlights Pizzarelli's playful style, making it a great standalone introduction to his music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"From Monday On" — from Kisses in the Rain (2000)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Let There Be Love" — from Let There Be Love (2000)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"If Dreams Come True" — from The Rare Delight of You (2002)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"I Feel Fine / Sidewinder" — from Double Exposure (2012)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Baubles, Bangles and Beads" — from Sinatra & Jobim @ 50 (2017)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Can't Buy Me Love" — from Meets the Beatles (1998)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About John Pizzarelli

John Pizzarelli matters in the contemporary music landscape as a bridge between traditional jazz sensibilities and modern interpretation, revitalizing timeless standards while inviting new audiences into the genre.

His effortless charisma and mastery of guitar bring a fresh energy to classic tunes, making jazz accessible and engaging for listeners who might otherwise overlook its rich history.

His effortless charisma and mastery of guitar bring a fresh energy to classic tunes, making jazz accessible and engaging for listeners who might otherwise overlook its rich history. By blending storytelling with musicianship, he has carved out a space where past and present coexist harmoniously. Pizzarelli’s approach is rooted in a deep respect for jazz tradition, yet he consistently reimagines it through his playful improvisations and nuanced arrangements. His performances are marked by a conversational quality, whether he’s interacting with bandmates or the audience, creating an intimate experience that draws listeners closer. He often integrates elements of swing and bossa nova, showcasing his versatility while maintaining a clear focus on melody and rhythm, allowing the music to breathe. In his songwriting and interpretations, Pizzarelli often explores themes of love, nostalgia, and human connection. His lyrical voice strikes a balance between sincerity and lighthearted irony, crafting narratives that feel both personal and universal. This storytelling blends seamlessly with his instrumental prowess, resulting in pieces that resonate emotionally while allowing for improvisational expression.

44 studio albums· 45 total releases· 4 decades· United States

Full discography

John Pizzarelli's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

45 releases • 44 albums • 1980–2026

Type:

Studio albums (42)

Grouped by decade — 6 eras.

2020s (3)

Dear Mr. Bennett album by John Pizzarelli

1980s (4)

Sing! Sing! Sing! album by John Pizzarelli

Undated (2)

46 /100

Let's Share Christmas

Better Days Ahead: Solo Guitar Takes on Pat Metheny

Live (2)

Live at Birdland

2003

John Pizzarelli Salutes Johnny Mercer: Live at Birdland

Compilations (1)

One Night With You - The John Pizzarelli Collection

1996

No releases match the current filters.

Continue your journey

If you liked John Pizzarelli, start with Bucky Pizzarelli

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Reference

Official site Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata

John Pizzarelli

Start here

Songs to start with

About John Pizzarelli

Full discography

Studio albums (42)

2020s (3)

Dear Mr. Bennett

Some Other Time

Stage & Screen

2010s (5)

Midnight McCartney

Double Exposure

Rockin' in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington

Sinatra & Jobim @ 50

Family Fugue

2000s (18)

With a Song in My Heart

Just Friends

Dear Mr. Sinatra

Knowing You

Bossa Nova

Got Swing!

Hit That Jive, Jack!

Sing! Sing! Sing!

I'm Hip (Please Don't Tell My Father)

The Rare Delight of You

Kisses in the Rain

Let There Be Love

Last Train Home

Generations

Blue Too

C'est Magnifique

Rhythm is Our Business

Twogether

1990s (10)

P.S. Mr. Cole

Meets the Beatles

Our Love Is Here to Stay

After Hours

Dear Mr. Cole

New Standards

Naturally

All of Me

My Blue Heaven

I Like Jersey Best