John Pizzarelli Celebrates The Music of Duke Ellington

Singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli, a master in the art of reinventing jazz classics, celebrates the music of Duke Ellington in his Friday, March 26, performance at The Clayton Center. Pizzarelli and his band members will perform selections from his latest CD, Rockin’ in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington, along with classic standards from the great American songbook.

Combining the enduring work of Ellington with Pizzarelli’s own musical achievements, Rockin’ in Rhythm features new arrangements of “In a Mellow Tone,” “East St. Louis Toodle-oo/Don't Get Around Much Anymore,” “C Jam Blues,” “I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good,” and “Cottontail/ Rockin' in Rhythm,” among others. All About Jazz said, “Mainstream jazz is a demanding mistress, and Pizzarelli manages her with grace and wit. This recording is an accomplishment of the most rarefied order.”
Considered one of the great jazz guitarists and vocalists performing today, Pizzarelli is always fresh and engaging. His smooth vocals, masterful instrumentals and easy, winning way with people, make him an audience favorite.

The Pizzarelli performance is the fifth in The Clayton Center’s Palladian Series. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $25 plus service fees and are available through The Clayton Center Box Office, located at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, or by calling 553-1737, ext. 2. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. until noon and 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets also can be purchased online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

The 2009-2010 Palladian Series culminates with an April 10 performance by Mike Farris and The Roseland Rhythm Revue. Other popular artists presented in past seasons at The Clayton Center include Kathy Mattea, Johnny Winter, Jesse Cook, Jim Brickman, Doc Watson, Eileen Ivers, Riders In the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir and David Sedaris.