It’s All Here on Radio Deluxe
CHRISTOPHER LOUDON, JAZZ TIMES
"Among radio's greatest pleasures is each weekly installment of Radio Deluxe, two hours of great jazz and smart, sassy repartee from John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey, the hippest husband-and-wife team since Louis Prima and Keely Smith. "

Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli has enjoyed visits by many memorable guests since its first show on December 3, 2005. Regis Philbin dropped by on Christmas weekend; Janis Siegel, of the Manhattan Transfer, brought biscotti; Margaret Whiting broke into a live song about her "Uncle Johnny" Mercer; Liza loved what John and Jessie had done with the apartment; Keely Smith told about being engaged to Frank Sinatra; and Stacey Kent revealed her favorite ski resorts and why none of them are in Holland. Other guests have been Tony Danza, Steve Tyrell, Kenny Rankin, Peter Cincotti, Ann Hampton Callaway, and of course, the members of the John Pizzarelli Quartet, along with daughter Madeline Pizzarelli and her grandfather, Bucky Pizzarelli.

Before I Go (3/31/12) - listen

John finds himself packing his bags yet again, while he and Jessica contemplate his trips with travel songs and and other favorites that come to mind.

In a Spring Mood (3/24/12) - listen

John is in Manhattan in springtime. His spirits are high (a common effect of spring), and that calls for some favorite spring songs.

George Shearing Tribute (3/17/12) - listen

John Pizzarelli worked with pianist George Shearing and became good friends. John and Jessica pay tribute to Sir George, who died in 2011.

Maddie Made It! (3/10/12) - listen

John & Jessica celebrate Maddie's acceptance into the high school of her choice. And they celebrate the way they do everything: with music!

Paul McCartney Show (3/3/12) - listen

John tells tales about hangin' with McCartney, after playing with Sir Paul on his new album and live at the Grammy Awards ceremony and related events.

Oscar Day (2/25/12) - listen

John and Jessica spend Academy Awards Sunday listening – and performing – their favorite movie songs.

Remembering Mary Cleere Haran (2/18/12) - listen

John and Jessica pay tribute to New York cabaret singer Mary Cleere Haran, who died tragically in a bicycle accident in Florida. They play back portions of the second Radio Deluxe program, when Mary Cleere was a guest on the show.

Musical Valentines (2/11/12) - listen

Valentine's Day gets John in the mood to play some romantic records. Too bad Jessica couldn't be there, but she got to listen.

Home Alone Jazz (2/4/12) - listen

While Jessica is onstage rehearsing the show tunes, John is home alone playing the jazz tunes. And he finds some gems.

A Margaret Whiting Tribute (1/28/12) - listen

Singer Margaret Whiting was a good friend of John & Jessica's. In fact, it she who introduced them to each other. The fortunate couple rememer their friend Margaret, who passed away in early 2011.

Trading Sets (1/21/12) - listen

One song reminds you of another, and soon you've got a set. A Gershwin set, then a Nat Cole set, sets about Rosemary Clooney and Bob Dorough. One thing leads to another with John & Jessica.

Girl Singers (1/14/12) - listen

John and Jessica pay tribute to female vocalists (something Jess knows something about). The focus is on Joni Mitchell and later.

Listener Lists (1/7/12) - listen

John and Jessica play their favoite set lists sent in by listeners.

New Year's 2012 (12/31/11) - listen

One the eve of 2012, as the champagne chills, John and Jessica sit by the fire in the deluxe cabin and play the most romantic music they can think of.

Christmas 2011 (12/24/11) - listen

The big day has arrived. John, Jessica, Maddie, and John's sister Anne, are preparing join the rest of the family, across the river at Bucky & Ruth's. They're having some holiday treats, opening a few Christmas Eve presents, and of course listening to their favorite music of the season.

Trimming the Tree (12/17/11) - listen

John & Jessica, with some help from Maddie, are doing what they must as Christmas approaches. They're putting up the tree, unpacking the decorations, and getting ready for the big day.

Deep in December (12/10/11) - listen

It's the middle of the month and John & Jessica's apartment decor and musical choices are only beginning to reflect the oncoming Christmas holiday.

Wall Street Journaling (12/3/11) - listen

As a writer and a photographer prepare a Wall Street Journal article, John & Jessica continue doing what they do best: selecting, presenting, and shedding light on some of the best recorded music available.

Thanksgiving 2011 (11/26/11) - listen

It's Thanksgiving weekend in America, a time for good food and drink, good friends, and (as always in this household) good music. Enjoy the feast!

Howard Fishman Returns (11/19/11) - listen

Talented musician Howard Fishman returns to the deluxe living room to visit and perform live.

Maddie and Daddy (11/12/11) - listen

It's a father-daughter banquet of music and stories.

Settling In (11/05/11) - listen

John and Jessica are back home in their deluxe apartment, as they begin a month-long run at the Carlyle. Today, in the living room, they are sharing music with you and each other.

Hodgepodge (10/29/11) - listen

It's a program based partly on Jessica's iPod, which turns out to contain quite a mix of music.

Pop to Jazz (10/22/11) - listen

John and Jessica, as they often do, play records that cross the line, going from jazz and pop and back again.

Doubles and Triples (10/15/11) - listen

John and Jessica play some double play-play-plays, and they even stretch one to a triple.

Molaskey Retuns (10/8/11) - listen

Summer, with all its activities, is over and the Pizzarellis return to their usual routine high atop Lexington. That routine, of course, includes plenty of good music, which John and Jesicca share, with each other and you.

Tanglewood 2011 (10/1/11) - listen

John and Jessica perform live from Tanglewood with Freddy Cole, Ken Peplowski, and the John Pizzarelli Quartet. Also visiting their deluxe living room set are deluxe daughter Madeleine and New York television news and sports correspondent Budd Mishkin.

Early Autumn (9/24/11) - listen

The eighth grade is just getting back in session, but already it's time to think about next year. While Jessica and Maddie explore Gotham's high school options, John finds many musical opportunities to share with his listeners.

Late Summer's Day (9/17/11) - listen

John and Jessica play some cool songs for a warm day.

Radio Redux (9/10/11) - listen

John recalls highlights of past Radio Deluxe programs, featuring him and Jessica and their many guests.

Rare Gems (9/3/11) - listen

John & Jessica bring out songs you won't hear on your everyday, run-of-the-mill radio show. That's for sure.

An Actor Who Sings (8/27/11) - listen

Actor and singer Steven Pasquale pays a visit to John and Jessica's deluxe apartment. Naturally, the topic of singing actors (or acting singers, if you prefer) came up, as they also discussed people like Bobby Troup, Julie London, and Hoagy Carmichael.

Alone Atop Lexington (8/20/11) - listen

Once again John finds himself alone in the deluxe apartment. It's a good thing his favorite listeners are there to keep him company. They came for the great music he always picks out.

Solo Flight (8/13/11) - listen

Alone on a summer afternoon, John invites his favorite listeners into the deluxe living room.

Zooming Through Summer (8/6/11) - listen

Jessica is packing for their annual West Coast Tour while John entertains guests in the living room. You're among them, of course. Enjoy his musical selections.

Molaskey's Back (7/30/11) - listen

John and Jessica find themselves in the same room at the same time, in front of microphones. The results are predictable: outstanding music.

Sum-Sum-Summertime (7/23/11) - listen

It's a hot day in New York City, but John is on the job, putting his superb musical tastes to work. He begins with summer songs, and then guides us through the subjects of Johnny Mandel, Larry Goldings, and even New Year's Eve.

Theater and Film (7/16/11) - listen

Jazz musicians, Broadway cast members, and studio orchestras are all represented in this episode that features music from the theater and films. Some of the songs are from the original productions while others are latter-day interpretations, but all are very compelling.

Live Recordings (7/9/11) - listen

John and Maddie listen to some of their favorite performances, all of which were recorded in a theater, club, show room, or stadium.

Americana (7/2/11) - listen

John & Jessica celebrate the Fourth-of-July Weekend by sharing classic American songs and artists

With Johnny and Maddie (6/25/11) - listen

John IV and his sister Maddie join John III for an afternoon of deluxe listening in the deluxe living room.

Father's Day (6/18/11) - listen

John & Jessica celebrate fatherhood… and the day that's dedicated to that concept.

It's All Good (6/11/11) - listen

Frank, Count, Mel, Maggie… What's not to like on this list? Impeccible tastes, interesting stories… Let's hang out with John & Jessica.

Facebook (6/4/11) - listen

Listeners submitted music suggestions through the John Pizzarelli Facebook page. John fulfills those requests now, in his usual entertaining and knowledge way.

The Constitution (5/28/11) - listen

As the school year ends, final exams, term projects, the U.S. Constitution, and other seventh-grade concerns are on the minds of eveyone in the Pizzarelli home. And as always, above it all is the ceasless sound of deluxe music. Somehow John and Jessica handle it all, simultaneously and adroitly.

Here We Go Again (5/21/11) - listen

They're at it again. John and Jessica are doing what they do best (other than making music). They are selecting, enjoying, and presenting to us the music that can only be described as "deluxe."

Gershwin, Basie and More (5/14/11) - listen

John and Jessica's streams of conciousness meander through the areas of George and Ira Gershwin, Count Basie, and several other enjoyable places. It's a fine way to drift through a spring day.

Music with Maddie's Mom (5/7/11) - listen

On Mother's Day weekend, John joins Jessica for one of their favorite enjoyments on relaxing days: finding apropos songs from their impressive music collection.

Adrift with a Boatload of Music (4/30/11) - listen

John and Jessica spend a quiet day drifting through their music collection, with no particular destination in mind. The trip turns out to be rather sonically-scenic.

Stephen Sondheim Tribute (4/23/11) - listen

American theater composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who turned 81 last month, is honored by John & Jessica.

Barbara Carroll Returns (4/16/11) - listen

Pianist and singer Barbara Caroll makes a return visit to the deluxe living room, where she chats with John and Jessica about her career and her music.

List Songs (4/9/11) - listen

You've heard many of them, but you may not have known there is a classification for them. They are called list songs. John and Jessica will explain and give examples.

John Verses Jessica (4/2/11) - listen

When you hear the opening verse to a familiar standard, do you know what chorus will follow? That's the game John and Jessica are playing today.

Just a Show Before I Go (3/26/11) - listen

John' bags are packed; he's ready to go. But just before he goes off to Europe, does Mr. Pizzarelli have time to play some of his favorite rocords and engage in some delightful repartee with Ms. Molaskey? Yes, he does, which is fortunate for us all.

Spring 2011 (3/19/11) - listen

As Jessica opens a two-week run with Dave Frishberg at the Oak Room, John is in the deluxe living room, celebrating the start of spring and the 92and anniversary of his mentor, Nat King Cole.

Remembering George Shearing (3/12/11) - listen

Sir George Shearing, pianist, composer, and personal friend of John & Jessca's, passed away in New York City on February 14, 2011, at the age of 91. Today his music fills the deluxe living room, thanks to the many recordings he made during his long and shining career.

Mary Cleere Haran (3/5/11) - listen

Recording artist and popular New York cabaret entertainer Mary Cleere Haran died tragically in Florida last month, following a bicycle accident. John and Jessica pay tribute to Mary Cleere, who appeared visited the deluxe living room during the second episode of Radio Deluxe, in December 2005.

Academy Award Songs (2/26/11) - listen

It's Academy Awards time and John presents some of his favorites that won or were nominated for the Best Song Oscar.

Let's Go There Now (2/19/11) - listen

John serves as tour guide on a trip through time and space to hear Ella, Frank, Nat, Louis, Peggy, and others live from venues in New York, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Newport. Let's go there now!

Songs of Romance (2/12/11) - listen

Even in Jessica's absence, John is thinking about his love as he prepares for St. Valentine's Day by finding his favorite songs of romance.

Margaret Whiting Tribute (2/5/11) - listen

Singer Margaret Whiting passed away on January 10, 2011, at the age of 86. As the daughter of songwriter Richard Whiting, she grew up in Beverly Hills around many of the icons of the American Songbook, Johnny Mercer, Harry Warren, Harold Arlen, and Jerome Kern, most of whom she called "Uncle." She's was also very special to the Pizzarelli family, having introduced John to Jessica.

A Winter's Day (1/21/11) - listen

It's a quiet day in Manhattan's deluxe apartment, and John and Jessica spend it doing what they do so often: talking and listening to some of their favorite music.

Food & Fun (1/22/11) - listen

Bird songs, food, and and the new generation of artists are all under discussion, contributing to this week's fun.

Johnny Mercer (1/15/11) - listen

Mostly a lyricist, but also a composer and performer, Johnny Mercer is one of the most significant figures of the Great American Songbook. He and his music are in the spotlight in this deluxe episode.

Leonard Maltin (1/8/11) - listen

Favorite movie critic (and music lover) Leonard Maltin meets up with John and Jessica at the foot of the Hollywood Hills

New Year 2011 (1/1/11) - Listen

Snowbound at the deluxe cabin, John & Jessica and their neighbors have one of their best New Year’s Eves ever

Christmas Highlights (12/25/10) - listen

John takes time to look back at Christmases past, remembering the many visitors who dropped by the deluxe living room at Christmastime.

Michael Sigman (12/18/10) - listen

John and Jessica visit with Michael Sigman, exploring the career and music of Michael’s father, songwriter Carl Sigman.

Trimming the Tree (12/11/10) - listen

John and Maddie decorate the tree while listening to their favorite holiday music and sampling all ten Grammy-nominated albums in their two favorite categories.

Christmas Is Coming (12/4/10) - Listen

John and Jessica ease into the Christmas season with a few of the first wave holiday songs and a few other favorites.

Thanksgiving 2010 (11/27/10) - Listen

John is on his own this Thanksgiving weekend, while Jessica recuperates from hosting the in-laws.

Howard Fishman (11/20/10) - Listen

Singer-songwriter-bandleader Howard Fishman makes a return visit to the deluxe living room. He brings his guitar and he and John supplement the records with some live living-room music.

Journaling (11/13/10) - Listen

While John and Jessica record in their living room, the whole experience is recorded by a writer and a photographer for the Wall Street Journal. The result is a glowing article in the Journal about Radio Deluxe, by Ralph Gardner, Jr., and another high-quality radio episode.

Post-Season (11/7/10) - Listen

The baseball season has ended, which requires a big readjustment for John and Maddie. Life in the living room, meanwhile, goes on with the John and Jessica's usual music talk and listening.

Hodgepodge (10/30/10) - Listen

As the title of this episode implies, this is an interesting mix of music. A fancier way to put it might be "eclectic," but who needs to be fancy? John and Jessica are at home in their living room.

Pop to Jazz and Back (10/23/10) - LISTEN

John and Jessica cross the blurry line between jazz and pop music.

An October Day (10/16/10) - Listen

Mr. and Mrs. October have just completed their first week of their annual run at the Café Carlyle, and find time on their day off to enjoy some music on their home stereo.

The Day Job (10/9/10) - listen

With most people, their day job wins the bread while the night job is for fun. But with John and Jessica, their night jobs are the real jobs and their day job is having fun with you and other friends in the deluxe living room. Today, the deluxe couple spends the day listening to and talking about some of their favorite songs, singers, and composers.

Tanglewood 2010 (10/2/10) - listen

For the second year in a row, Radio Deluxe is performed before a live audience at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts. Joining John and Jessica in their onstage living room are Jane Monheit, Bucky Pizzarelli, and the John Pizzarelli Quartet.

Andrea Marcovicci (9/25//10) - LISTEN

Cabaret star, actress, and woman-about-town Adrea Marcovicci visits the deluxe living room to talk about her life, her career, and her favorite music.

New Girls on the Block (9/18/10) - LISTEN

John and Jessica focus on the women of music who are performing the standards as well as sometimes creating the songs that are becoming part of the standard repertoire.

Judy Garland Tribute (9/11/10) - LISTEN

Author and historian John Fricke visits the deluxe living room where he discusses the subject he knows best: Judy Garland.

Maureen McGovern (9/4/10) - LISTEN

Pop singer and talented interpreter of the American Songbook Maureen McGovern discusses her career with John and Jessica.

Keith Lockhart (8/28/10) - LISTEN

John talks with the conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, about baseball, Boston, and music.

Combinations (8/21/10) - listen

John and Jessica compare and contrast favorite recordings by putting them together in various and interesting combinations.

Bob Elliott (8/14/10) - listen

Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding became the popular radio comedy team known as Bob and Ray in the 1940's. Longtime Bob and Ray fan John Pizzarelli finally gets to meet his lifelong hero when Bob visits the deluxe living room. John and Jessica discuss with Bob his career and family, including his son Chris Elliott and grandaughter Abby Elliott.

Curtis Stigers (8/7/10) - listen

Singer Curtis Stigers pays a return visit to the deluxe living room.

Movies and Theater (7/31/10) - listen

Stage and screen meet as Jessica plays modern versions of favorite theater songs while John plays some of his favorite movie songs.

Kenny Rankin (7/24/10) - listen

John and Jessica replay one of their most-requested interviews, recorded with Kenny Rankin in 2006.

Richard Cheese (7/17/10) - listen

Dick and his piano player, Bobby Ricotta, visit the deluxe living room to "loungify" familiar pop songs.

Steven Pasquale (7/10/10) - listen

Actor and singer Steven Pasquale pays a visit to the deluxe living room.

Americana (7/3/10) - listen

John and Jessica celebrate Independence Day with songs and artists that are quintessentially American.

Bucky's Day (6/19/10) - listen

It's generally known as Father's Day, but around the deluxe apartment this weekend it's Bucky's Day. Bucky Pizzarelli visits his son and daughter-in-law, and the stories about guitar playing and guitar players are plentiful.

Alone Atop Lexington (6/12/10) - listen

While Jessica continues appearing in a musical out of town, John plays host to you, serving up some of his favorite records. He plays "Doozy" and "Dizzy," big bands, two from the Crecendo, and pays tribute to two Dons: Grolnick and Gardner.

Flying Solo (6/5/10) - listen

Jessica is out of town, Madeline is not home, but the show goes on. John does what he does so well: plays and talks about his favorite music. This week the music includes a special tribute to the late pianist Hank Jones.