John Pizzarelli

Dear Mr. Bennett

Green Hill Music

It takes some courage to cover Tony Bennett. There may never be a better singer, technically. Guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli certainly knows this. He covered Frank Sinatra in 2007 with Dear Sinatra, and others such as Nat King Cole before that. Pizzarelli is neither shy nor emulative of either. Arguably, while Bennett and Sinatra leaned more toward pop, Pizzarelli is jazz to the core. That’s what he brings, sings, and swings on Dear Mr. Bennett, a spirited celebration of some of Bennett’s favorite songs, arriving just in time for Bennett’s August 3rd centennial.  A five-song EP will follow on August 7th to commemorate the occasion. While Pizzarelli’s vocals are far enough away not to be confused with Bennett’s, his dazzling guitar work and his trio’s musicianship are always interesting and entertaining. Here, Pizzarelli brings, sings, and swings a spirit that would be the envy of Bennett with pianist Isaiah J. Thompson and bassist Mike Karn.

The connection to Bennett runs deep, however. Pizzarelli’s late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, appearing on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast that also featured pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart.

Pixxarelli leads off with an animated rendition of Michel Legrand’s “Watch What Happens,” which Bennett was the first to record following its debut in the French musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Pizzarelli recalls seeing Bennett open one of his final performances in Toronto with the song, vocal qualities intact.  The trio’s inspired take on “The Best is Yet to Come” is the first of four favorites by the songwriting team of Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh.  They then deliver a restrained rendering of the witty, endearing, and intimate ballad “It Amazes Me.” The trio demonstrates their uncanny swinging ability on “Firefly,” downshifting into a melancholy mood in “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and staying in ballad mode for the sincere love song, “Because of You,” featuring acrobatic piano and bass solos.

To these ears, the album highlight is Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),”  prime examples of the guitarist’s impeccable fretwork, Thompson’s superb comping, and Kahn’s driving bassline. Bill Evans and Tony Bennett once collaborated on Evans’ classic “Waltz for Debby.” Here, Pizzarelli digs deep into the heart of the song, accompanying himself only on guitar. He turns the bulk of the accompaniment over to the vastly talented Jazz House Kid graduate Thompson on the ballad “Young and Foolish,” though Kahn gets room for his own arco statement toward the end. The romantic side reappears on the mid-tempo swinger “When In Rome,” which features Pizzarelli’s unison scatting with his guitar picking.

Inevitably, a Bennett set list must include “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Pizzarelli’s vocals conjure the yearning nature of the song, one that never grows old. Thompson and Kahn fill in the spaces beautifully. The trio cooks on the closer, Irving Berlin’s “Shaking the Blues Away,” operating at a dizzying tempo that features blazing guitar and piano runs, while Kahn keeps the sturdy undercurrent, taking a blistering solo along the way.

Pizzarelli had long wanted to record an album dedicated to Bennett, adding the tribute to the list of great songwriters and musicians that he’s honored in the past: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sir Paul McCartney, Richard Rodgers, and Duke Ellington, among them. In Bennett, he has a subject who was not only one of the greatest singers of the last century, but one whom Pizzarelli knew fairly well. In that respect, the tribute takes on more gravitas.

• Jim Hynes

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included