Gig Alert: John Pizzarelli

Gig Alert: John Pizzarelli
“Under a Blanket of Blue”
Playing at: Birdland (315 W. 44th St., Hell's Kitchen)
Get: Tickets ($40) | Directions

Following in the footsteps of another Italian-American jazz singer from New Jersey—you may have heard of Frank Sinatra who would have been 95 on Sunday—John Pizzarelli is one of the great interpreters of the “American songbook” who is still performing today. Often seen playing with his father, the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli’s released over 40 albums in his 50 years, turning hearts with his characteristically laid-back delivery. Tonight, he begins a week of concerts at Birdland with his quartet."Under A Blanket of Blue," a Jerry Livingston standard, has been sung over the years by Ella Fitzgerald and Ol' Blue Eyes, among others. Pizzarelli's version holds its own despite those big shoes to fill.