The Rare Delight of You—John Pizzarelli with The George Shearing Quintet

(Telarc Jazz 83546)

Our sentiments, exactly: they both record for the same label, so why not put out a duet project together? The first thing that piques our ears on The Rare Delight of You is the seamless combination of George Shearing's piano, John Pizzarelli's guitar and Ted Piltzecker's vibraphone. Add the swinging, pendulum beat of Canadian bassist Neil Swainson (who's played with Shearing for ages) and the sessions percolate on a festive high note.

This is John's third recording with Telarc, and it's his best so far simply because his "back-up" band is so top notch. The vocals are comfy, and when he breaks into the Chet Baker chestnut, "Everything Happens To Me," that 1950s Nat Cole Trio groove that Pizzarelli so often falls back on, sounds so appropriate. Rare Delight's live DSD, crisp digital quality creates a sociable room sound. We like delectable tracks like "Lemon Twist," "If Dreams Come True," "Be Careful It's My Heart," and the Upper East Side sophistication of "The Lady's In Love With You." It's uncanny that Shearing is 82 years young and continues to be such a force in jazz. Pizzarelli, who follows Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Carmen McRae and Nat "King" Cole himself as fellow Shearing vocal collaborators, can rest assured with this set. The only thing missing here is your table at the Cafe Carlyle and the astronomical bill.