JBFC Mixtapes, Vol. 2: John Pizzarelli - Jazz Sessions

JBFC Mixtapes is a new initiative from the Burns to highlight the music—from soundtracks to scores—that makes the cinematic experience so special. We’ll be updating the blog with mixtapes from staff members, special guests, and more, to drop the needle on our favorite songs from, about, or inspired by films—with a few curveballs every now and then. Our second installment comes from acclaimed musician John Pizzarelli, who put together a playlist inspired by JBFC original series Jazz Sessions: Take 10, which runs May 2-30. Pizzarelli writes:

“This mix contains songs from the beginning of my listening—songs that were the foundation, rooted in jazz in both style and association. For me, the 80’s were a time when the harmonies of pop songs were changing and jazz was starting to come out of its hiding from the late 70’s. I was playing jazz gigs with my father, and occasional rock gigs with my friends. My father even commented that I was the only musician he knew that played jazz to support his rock habit!” Listen to Pizzarelli’s mix now via the embedded player below, or on the JBFC spotify account!

1. It’s Only a Paper Moon by Nat King Cole Trio (After Midnight: The Complete Session, 1957)
2. Bésame Mucho by João Gilberto (João Gilberto en México, 1974)
3. Haven’t We Met by Kenny Rankin (Silver Morning, 2008)
4. The Lady Wants to Know by Michael Franks (Sleeping Gypsy, 1977)
5. Rosalinda’s Eyes by Billy Joel (52^nd Street, 1978)
6. Walk Between Raindrops by Donald Fagan (The Nightfly, 1982)
7. Aquas De Marco (Waters of March) by Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim (Jobim, 1973)
8. Aquelas Coisas Todas by Toninho Horta, Orquestra Fantasma (Terra dos Pássaros, 1980)
9. Lady Be Good by Zoot Sims (Zoot Sims and the Gershwin Brothers, 1975)
10. Tangerine by Bucky Pizzarelli (Green Guitar Blues/Café Pierre Trio, 2001)

*Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, the JBFC will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.*

Although John Pizzarelli has produced dozens of albums over the years, we’d like to highlight two very special ones in particular, Double Exposure (2012), and Midnight McCarthy (2015), both of which were created right here in the recording studio at the JBFC Media Arts Lab! You can listen to or download Double Exposure on Amazon or iTunes; or check out Midnight McCarthy on both Amazon and iTunes as well. For a sneak peek at the recording studio in action, check out this clip from Pizzarelli’s 2012 jam sessions:

Like what you hear? Strike up the band May 2—30, 2018 at Jazz Sessions: Take 10, as we celebrate a decade of the series by revisiting films from past years and reveling in a few new additions. John Pizzarelli kicks it all off with a musical tribute to Antônio Carlos Jobim on May 2 following a screening of The House of Tom—Mundo, Monde, Mondo, while four additional live performances from young innovators of the genre round out the month-long series. Please note: The member presale for Jazz Sessions begins Tuesday, Mar. 20 at noon, while tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, March 23 at noon. Not yet a JBFC member? Join today for exclusive, members-only perks by visiting our membership website or calling 914.773.7663, ext. 6.

Want more JBFC Mixtapes? Listen to previous volumes on the JBFC Spotify account, and remember you can always download for offline listening using the Spotify app!