During the pandemic, with the WBGO Studio in shut-down mode, we were able to renovate the studio to enable us to eventually bring in artists to record performances, to be featured later on wbgo.org. The upgrades were both cosmetic and structural, with new sound equipment, lighting and more.
Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli and his trio (Isaiah J. Thompson on piano and Mike Karn on bass) christened the WBGO Studio with a performance hosted by Gary Walker, who also interviewed John whom he’s known for many years.
“Growing up in New Jersey, John Pizzarelli first played guitar in a rock band,” Gary says. “His father, master guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, watched and waited for the moment to introduce his son to his world. John took to it right away, resulting in numerous albums under his name, as well as opening across Europe for Frank Sinatra, accompanying the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney and starring in his own show on Broadway. John’s latest recording is Stage and Screen, a look at some of the great tunes from Broadway and film, including the one that had Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling.”
In addition, Isaiah, recent winner of the American Pianists Awards, played Randy Weston’s “Hi-Fly” accompanied by John on guitar and Mike on bass.
Watch their performance and conversation here:
CREDITS:
Interview: Gary Walker (WBGO's Host of Daybreak)
Videographer and Editor: Rob Davidson (Rob Davidson Media)
Audio Recording Engineer: David Antoine
Audio Mix Engineer: Corey Goldberg
Assistant Engineer: Mark Farrell
Executive Producer for WBGO Studios: Billy Robinson
Recorded at WBGO Studios on April 26, 2023
Special thanks to Steven A. Williams, Stevan Smith, and Lee Mergner
Listen to and read John’s interview with WBGO’s Lee Mergner about the Stage and Screen album here.
Watch and read Isaiah’s conversation with WBGO’s Gary Walker here.