John Pizzarelli - My Blue Heaven (Hybrid SACD)
Guitar, Vocals – John Pizzarelli
Bass – Milt Hinton [Click here to see more vinyl/SACD featuring Milt Hinton]
Trumpet – Clark Terry [click here to see more vinyl/SACD featuring Clark Terry]
Drums – Connie Kay
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Written by George Whiting (1), Walter Donaldson (1), Nat King Cole (2, 8), Jimmy Van Heusen (3), Johnny Burke (3), George & Ira Gershwin (4), Ray Noble (5), Alvin Cohn (6, 15), David Frishberg (6, 15), Norman Kahn (6), John Pizzarelli, Jr. (7), Bucky Pizzarelli (9), Fred Wise (10), Roy Alfred (10), Slam Stewart (11), Duke Ellington (12), Sidney Keith Russell (12), Andy Razaf (13), Don Redman (13), Billy Strayhorn (14), Milton Raskin (14), Gerry Mulligan (15), Jack Sims (15), John Sims (15), Alex Kramer (16), Joan Whitney (16), Mack David (16)
1 Hybrid SACD
Original analog Master tape : YES
Stereo
Studio
Label : Chesky Records - Chesky Original Masters Series
Original label : Chesky Records
Recorded at RCA Studio A, New York City on February 6 and 7, 1990
Recorded by Bob Katz
Produced by David Chesky
Executive-Producer – Norman Chesky
Mastered by Nick Prout
Originally released in 1990
Reissued in June 2025
Tracks :
1. My Blue Heaven
2. I'm An Errand Boy for Rhythm
3. It Could Happen to You
4. Lady Be Good
5. The Touch of Your Lips
6. Can't Take You Nowhere
7. Take My Smile
8. That's What
9. Stray Horn
10. Best Man
11. Oh Me, Oh My, Oh Gosh
12. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
13. Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You
14. Passion Flower
15. Zoot Walked In/Morning Fun
16. Candy
Reviews:
“Just prior to signing with RCA/Novus, John Pizzarelli recorded two sets for Chesky that featured him playing in the swing style that he would soon make quite popular. Although joined by all-stars (pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Connie Kay, his father, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and flugelhornist Clark Terry) rather than his regular trio, Pizzarelli's likable vocals and relaxed guitar solos are not overshadowed. In fact, this is a delightful date, with memorable renditions of such songs as "I'm An Errand Boy for Rhythm," "Lady Be Good," "The Best Man," "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You" and "Candy." Easily recommended to John Pizzarelli fans.” AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Recorded in 1990 for the noted New York audiophile label Chesky Records, My Blue Heaven was John Pizzarelli's first significant album release, heralding the arrival of a major talent and future Grammy-winning star. Supported by a dream team lineup of veteran jazz stars — including Pizzarelli's guitar-playing father, Bucky, together with trumpeter Clark Terry, bass supremo Milt Hinton, and drummer extraordinaire Connie Kay — the New Jersey-born singer and virtuoso of the seven-string guitar serves up a swinging cache of evergreen jazz standards.
With the album's highlights ranging from spirited revamps of the Nat King Cole Trio's "Candy," Duke Ellington's "Passion Flower" and Dave Frishberg's "Can't Take You Nowhere," the impeccably recorded My Blue Heaven represented a significant step in Pizzarelli's early musical journey, helping to introduce him to a wider audience.
Ratings:
AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.3 / 5