Rockin’ In Rhythm
(Telarc Records)

 
Coming off of a tribute recording to composer Richard Rodgers, the ever-ambitious guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli pays musical homage to the great Duke Ellington. On Rockin’ In Rhythm, Pizarelli mixes clever arrangements of Ellington-branded classics, several great guests, instrumentals and vocals, with genteel ballads and blazing swing to pleasing effect on the 12-song recording. In addition to an octet, that includes some of his regular band mainstays Larry Fulller on piano, and drummer Tony Tedeseco, the guitarist is joined by guests Harry Allen on tenor sax, Aaron Weinstein on violin. As ever, music is a bit of a family business for the six string virtuoso and this recording is no exception with bandmate and brother Martin Pizzarelli on double bass and his guitar-legend father Bucky making a guest appearance.If that’s not enough, when Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling pops in to warble on version of “Perdido” with Pizzarelli, they’re joined by wife Jessica Molaskey who wrote additional lyrics for the tune.