John Pizzarelli Quartet featuring special guest Peter Appleyard will take part in the GRANDMASTERS Series, presented by Panasonic, on Saturday, June 28, replacing French composer and producer Michel Legrand. Due to health reasons, Legrand will not be appearing at the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival.
Vibraphone master Peter Appleyard is one of the world's top vibraphonists whose career spans over five decades and includes collaborations with names such as Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. After drumming in British dance bands and with RAF bands, he moved in 1949 to Bermuda and in 1951 to Toronto, where he began playing vibraphone. Named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992, Appleyard came to international notice in jazz during the early 1970s as a member of Benny Goodman's sextet. Today, he is acknowledged as one of the top five's vibraphonists.
One of jazz's most prolific guitarists, John Pizzarelli has recorded over 20 albums and has appeared on more than 40 albums of other artists including artists such as James Taylor, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Cole and of course, Bucky Pizzarelli. Internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads and the cool jazz flavour he brings to performances and recordings, Pizzarelli has set the standard for stylish modern jazz.
Often compared to Nat King Cole, Pizzarelli is among the prime contemporary interpreters of the great American Songbook. The Village Voice states," we can say we're a lucky to listen to (Pizzarelli) as Nat Cole fans were in the years before he became a legend."
For more information contact All About Jazz.
