Plymouth State University

PLYMOUTH, N.H.—John Pizzarelli, who has been hailed by critics as one of the most accomplished interpreters of the Great American Songbook, will headline events as the Silver Series kicks off second semester at Plymouth State University.

The famed guitarist will perform in Hanaway Theatre at the Silver Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. February 6.

Pizzarelli has had a multifaceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader. He is known internationally for classic standards, late-night ballads and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings. Pizarelli has established himself as entertainer and radio show host with the launch of “Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli,” a nationally syndicated radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway artist Jessica Molaskey.

Beginning on guitar at 8 years old, Pizzarelli followed in the footsteps of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, who exposed him to all the great jazz music of the era-from Errol Garner and Les Paul to Django Reinhardt. John joined his father beginning at age 20, before beginning his solo career. He met his wife when both performed in the Broadway musical, “Dream”, a review of Johnny Mercer Songs.

Reviewers often compare the Pizzarelli Trio to jazz icons like Nat “King” Cole. “The John Pizzarelli Trio has never been tighter, and Pizzarelli himself has never been looser,” said “The Village Voice” of a recent New York show. “We can say we’re as lucky to listen to [Pizzarelli] as Nat Cole fans were in the years before he became a legend.”

Pizzarelli likes the comparison, calling it “the highest of compliments.”

“I’ve always said in my concerts that Nat Cole is why I do what I do.” Pizzarelli brings his signature style and brilliant guitar playing to all his interpretations, which are collected in 21 albums. “With a Song in My Heart” is his latest. He is a frequent performer on national television shows and is also known as the swinging star in the commercial “The Wonder of it All,” for Foxwoods Casino.

Tickets are $25-35 for adults, $23-33 for seniors, $20-30 for youth and $5-15 for PSU students with I.D. at the Silver Center Box Office, (603) 535-ARTS or (800) 779-3869. Tickets are also available online at silver.plymouth.edu.

Also on tap this semester are the Claremont Trio March 4, the Sam Bush Band March 28, “The Magic Flute” performed by the Boston Lyric Opera’s orchestra April 10 and Elizabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, April 16.

Information is online at silver.plymouth.edu.

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