Jazzing Up The Beatles

When fans think of guitarist John Pizzarelli, they think of jazz standards, or even the Big Band sound. Now they can associate his name with the Beatles, thanks to his latest CD, John Pizzarelli Meets the Beatles.

"My idea is to bring jazz, swing, to as many people as possible, however I can do that," he explains, "and I think this Beatles album accomplished that."

The album is Pizzarelli's tribute to the Fab Four, performing such tunes as I've Just Seen a Face and Here Comes the Sun using jazz chords.

Part of the CD is dedicated to the late Linda McCartney because, Pizzarelli has said, "She was such a part of what they were, and her relationship with Paul was so special."

For Pizzarelli, music is a family affair. His father, Bucky, is an acclaimed guitarist, and brother Martin plays the bass in John's trio.

"We can get away with getting on each other's nerves," says Pizzarelli. "There's no such thing as: 'You get on my nerves. I'm quitting the group, I'm leaving.' There's no leaving, because I'll see you at Thanksgiving. See ya at the house!"

Pizzarelli has been playing guitar since he was 6 years old and began playing with his father when he was 20. He soon developed a separate career and, since 1992, the Pizzarelli Trio has toured Europe and the U.S.

His other albums include Dear Mr. Cole, a tribute to Nat King Cole; After Hours, a cycle of torch ballads; and Let's Share Christmas, a holiday album. The Trio also is featured, performing That Old Black Magic, in the movie The Out-of-Towners, starring Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin.

Pizzarelli lives in Manhattan with his wife, singer-actress Jessica Molansky.