Oscar Peterson, “Motions and Emotions,” 1970 on MPS

Oscar Peterson covering “popular” tunes, including “Yesterday,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and “Ode to Billy Joe.” I know some folks will find this schmaltzy but as an Oscar Peterson fan I really enjoy it.

My copy is the 2018 reissue in the Ambassadors for MPS series, on 180g vinyl pressed at Optimal GmbH and an insert reproducing the original master tape box along with liner notes by Till Brönner, the ambassador to MPS in this case.

Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington: Song Book One, 1980 on Pablo Today

First of two records of Sarah Vaughan doing Duke Ellington songs recorded in 1979 and released in 1980 (there is a Song Book Two, also released in 1980). Produced by Norman Granz, and engineered by Val Valentin and Bob Simpson.

Supporting artists include Waymon Reed (trumpet), J. J. Johnson (trombone), Frank Foster (tenor sax), Frank Wess (flute, tenor sax), Zoot Sims (tenor sax), Jimmy Rowles & Mike Wofford (piano), Joe Pass & Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Andy Simpkins (bass), and Grady Tate (drums), with Billy Byers arranging and conducting.

Pablo Today was a sub-label that started in 1979 and focused on “non-mainstream jazz” – not sure what that means but I’ve had great luck picking up Pablo records in general.

My copy, via Beatnick Records in Montréal Québec, is an original 1980 US pressing. with “Manufactured by Pablo Records” rim text.

Jazztodon artist of the week: Bucky Pizzarelli! He was the father of jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli and double bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Musicians he collaborated with include Benny Goodman, George Barnes, Les Paul, Oscar Peterson, Stéphane Grappelli, Benny Green, and Antônio Carlos Jobim. From 1956 to 1957, Pizzarelli used the stage name "Johnny Buck" and performed with The Three Suns pop music trio. He and guitarist George Barnes formed a duo and recorded two albums. Beginning in the 1970s, he began recording as a leader, issuing many tributes to musicians of the 1930s. He toured several times with Benny Goodman until Goodman's death in 1986. He performed with Benny Goodman at the White House. Pizzarelli continued to play into his 90s, making several appearances even after a stroke in 2016, officially retiring after a final brief appearance with Michael Feinstein in 2018. He died of COVID-19 on April 1, 2020.

#jazz #BuckyPizzarelli

Jazz Express #96 (UK) - July 1988 - Bucky & John Pizzarelli

#jazz #BuckyPizzarelli #JohnPizzarelli