Arsht Center. Mar 19th, 2010. 8:00 p.m.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and acclaimed producer Larry Rosen present a tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of our time – Fran Sinatra – in a concert entitled: Jazz Roots: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series: A Tribute to Fran Sinatra. Celebrating the legacy of this American cultural icon, the fifth concert in the Jazz Roots series showcases two of the foremost interpreters of American popular songs: Sinatra protégé and master jazz guitarist/vocalist, John Pizzarelli, and one of the country’s hottest young Sinatra interpreters, Tony DeSare, Friday, March 19th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.
The Sinatra program will recall the magic, romance and excitement of the music of Sinatra’s career through his most memorable songs, including the romantic ballads and swinging hits associated with “the Chairman of the Board.” Tony DeSare, who rose to fame playing Sinatra Off-Broadway lends a youthful bravado to the Rat Pack sound. Accompanied by the Henry Mancini Institute Big Band, John Pizzarelli will headline the show with chart-topping hits made famous by Sinatra such as “The Lady is a Tramp,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” and “Come Fly With Me.” One of today’s most celebrated performers, bringing popular standards to a new generation, John Pizzarelli opened for Frank Sinatra on one of his final tours in the 1990s.
Jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli has cultivated a multi-faceted career by singing classic standards, late-night ballads of the ‘40s and ‘50s, adding his personal swing style to contemporary material and playing inventive guitar that has won over new audiences. Using greats like Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole and the songs of writers such as Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen as touchstones, Pizzarelli has found his niche as one of the prime revivalists of the popular American Songbook, bringing to his work the cool jazz flavor of brilliant guitar playing.
The son of swing guitar legend “Bucky” Pizzarelli, John began performing with his father at age 20, and made his recorded debut with his 1983 release, I’m Hip – Please Don’t Tell My Father. Since 1992, the John Pizzarelli Trio has toured throughout Europe and the United States to rave reviews. In 1993, the group toured as the opening act for Frank Sinatra and joined the Carnegie Hall celebration for Sinatra’s 80th birthday celebration in 1995. Among his numerous recordings, Mr. Pizzarelli has created an entire studio album dedicated to Sinatra, Dear Mr. Sinatra, which was released by the Telarc label in 2006. He has also been a special guest on recordings for such luminaries as George Shearing, Rosemary Clooney, and Buddy DeFranco, as well as joint recordings with his father. In addition to being a performer and bandleader, Pizzarelli has established himself as the consummate entertainer and radio program host with the launch of “Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli,” a nationally syndicated weekly radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey. Recently, John Pizzarelli was rated third favorite male singer (only after Sinatra and Mel Torme) by readers of the Japanese Swing Journal.
Singer, pianist, and composer Tony DeSare has gained an international fan base with his infectious joy, wry playfulness, and robust musicality. His sound is romantic, swinging, and sensual, but what sets DeSare apart is his ability to write original material that sounds fresh and at the same time blends seamlessly with the Great American Songbook. Originally from Glens Falls, New York, Tony DeSare made his professional debut at age 17. He moved to New York in 1999, where he was instantly cast as the star of the long running Off-Broadway musical smash, Our Sinatra. In 2002, DeSare performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, and met jazz guitar icon, Bucky Pizzarelli. Since then, DeSare and Pizzarelli have developed a meaningful artistic collaboration, performing together around the country. A versatile performer, DeSare has headlined major jazz venues such as Birdland and the Blue Note; posh nightclubs including Café Carlyle and Feinstein’s at The Regency; and big band concert halls like Jazz at Lincoln Center. He has three CDs to his credit: Want You (2005); Last First Kiss (2007); and Radio Show (2009) which features an original song from the forthcoming 20th Century Fox film, The Tooth Fairy. DeSare has garnered critical acclaim throughout the United States, Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong, and was recently named a “Rising Star” by Downbeat Critics Poll.
Frank Sinatra forever changed both popular song and American pop culture. An artist who defined his generation, his songs and their influence on thousands of subsequent artists continue to resonate throughout American popular music.
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33132
305.949.6722
www.arshtcenter.org
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