Show Archives
It’s May! (5/1/21)
Some call it the merry month of May. Lerner & Loewe refer to it as the lusty month of May. Regardless, it’s one of the most appealing months of the year, and John & Jessica celebrate its arrival along with some some artists who were born in the last week of April, including Duke Ellington (April 29), Ella Fitzgerald (April 25), and Barbra Streisand (April 24).
Sunday, that One Day when I’m with You (4/24/21)
There are many songs about Sunday, and John & Jessica play a few of them on this episode, in honor of our many of our listeners who make Radio Deluxe part of their Sunday routine. But whether you catch us on Saturday, Sunday, or any other day, we hope the program is one of the highlights of your day.
Better Days Ahead (4/17/21)
John Pizzarelli’s new album “Better Days Ahead (Solo Guitar Takes on Pat Metheny)” was just released, on April 16. On it, he decontructs the arrangements of songs by the Pat Metheny Group and adpts them to his solo, seven-string guitar. This week John & Jessica talk about the album and play two previously unheard tracks, including the title song “Better Days Ahead,” which leads to talk of the better days that they are anticipating after the pandemic. Jessica hopes the days ahead include a return to Paris, thoughts of which affect some of her song choices this week.
The Requesters Who Sequester (4/10/21)
The end of our sequestration is in sight, but we can’t let up our guard too soon. In order to raise the spirits of our listeners in isolation, John & Jessica play requests that were sent in, often along with a story. Enjoy both the words and music this week on Radio Deluxe!
Easter Weekend 2021
John & Jessica observe Easter weekend, the arrival of spring, and the first anniversary of Bucky’s departure, with songs appropriate for each occasion.
New York Awakens (3/27/21)
As New York slowly gets back to normal, so does John and Jessica’s routine. Venturing back to the old neighborhood, they even dared drop by their favorite diner for breakfast and a happy reunion with the staff they hadn’t seen in over a year. And even though they may not have known it, experiences like that made it clear just how homesick they really were.
An Encouraging Equinox (3/20/21)
After a long, gloomy year, John & Jessica are in high spirits at last. John is now a Grammy Award-winner, he’s previewing his new album, and travel will resume soon. John earned his Grammy as co-producer of James Taylor’s “American Standard” album. His own new album, “Better Days Ahead,” featuring songs written by Pat Metheny, will be released April 16. And his travel plans include long drives with Jess, which will always include a trip to the car wash. Soon a crocus will rear its beautiful head, the ice on the lake will be melted, and the car will be packed and ready to go, all because spring begins at the moment of the vernal equinox, Saturday morning at 5:37 EDT, and, of course, the COVID vaccine.
Shearing, Metheny and the Pizzarellis (3/13/21)
Pat Metheny composed a piece called “Four Paths of Light,” which is featured in this week’s episode. But this week’s featured artists could themselves be called four paths of light: George, Pat, John and Jessica. In the relatively small world of professional jazz musicians, paths continually cross, and John seems to have have encountered them all – and has stories to tell and songs to play for each one of them along the path.
Melancholy March (3/6/21)
There are a lot of songs that are marches, but not a lot of songs about March. Although one exception is "Melancholy March," recorded by Julie London with the Pete King Orchestra for her 1956 “Calendar Girl” album, which leads off this first show of March 2021. After a year of isolation, we all seem to have extra severe cases of spring fever and cabin fever, but let's hope those are our only fevers.
Feb Ebbs (2/27/21)
This weekend consists of the last two days of February. March comes in (maybe like a lion) on Monday, which means buds and the leaves will soon appear, the swallows come back to Capistrano, the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues get up to
speed, and John & Jess welcome back daylight saving time. So it’s a welcome, optimistic occasion when we see Feb ebb (not to be confused with Fred Ebb, the famous lyricist who probably deserves an episode of his own).
In Memory of Chick Corea (2/20/21)
This week, John & Jessica pay tribute to jazz pianist Chick Corea, who died February 9th, at age 79, from a rare form of cancer. Chick began his career in the 1960s, playing with such greats as Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, Miles Davis, and others. He later formed the groundbreaking called Return to Forever, and he continued to record until 2020.
Valentine’s Weekend (2/13/21)
Neither COVID, quarentine, nor winter weather will stop St. Valentine’s Day and the messages of love that it brings every year. John & Jessica, isolated in their cabin, are joined by countless listeners to participate with music and conversation.
Snowed In (2/6/21)
It was publicized as one of the biggest storms in recent years, a nor’easter! John & Jessica aren’t going anywhere in this weather, so they’ve hunkered down in the Deluxe Cabin. But don’t worry, they’ll be fine. They had the foresight to lay in a good supply of firewood and all the other essential consumables, including a winter’s worth of music. And there’s plenty of room for as many of you who want to come in and warm up, as long as you do it virtually.
A Cold Day in January (1/30/21)
It’s the fifth and last weekend in January, and it’s a cold one at the Deluxe Cabin. So to warm up, John & Jessica do what they also do to boost their spirits, reduce their boredom, and increase their optimism: they listen to their favorite music. It works for them, and you’re invited to give it a try.
Next, Please (1/23/21)
Americans got a new president this week, and that calls for some optimistic songs and banter on this week's episode of Radio Deluxe. Everything is going pretty well so far, as we reach day four of the administration, so put your worries aside and join John & Jessica for a good time at the Deluxe Cabin.
Birthday Weekend (1/9/21)
Ever since Jessica became part of the Pizzarelli family, she has shared her birthday with John’s dad Bucky. Unfortunately, this is the first year when Bucky will not be on hand for the celebration, even though he is present in everyone’s thoughts. Bucky would have been 95 today, January 9th, which is is also the day he married his wife Ruth 67 years ago. January 9th is also the date when Jessica was born an undisclosed number of years ago (but not a big number). It’s a sonic celebration at the Deluxe Cabin today and you’re invited!
Hello, 2021 (1/2/21)
People seem to be extra happy this time to welcome in the new year. And what they seem to like best about 2021 is that it’s not 2020. What it is, exactly, remains to be seen, but Ella thinks it could be the start of something big, Judy thinks it’s a time to get happy, Nina thinks there’s a new world coming, and Oscar says something’s coming (although he doesn’t say what). And all of us at Deluxe World Headquarters wish you and yours a very happy, safe, and prosperous year ahead!
Goodbye, 2020 (12/26/20)
The notorious year 2020 is about to come to an end, and none too soon for most of us. John & Jessica look back with astonishment and forward with optimism in this last show of 2020, a year which will live in infamy. Like all of us, they hope things will soon be back to normal and they will be on the road again making music before live, unmasked audiences. In the meantime, stay safe and be grateful for our virtual visits.
Christmas at the Cabin (12/19/20)
For the first time, John & Jessica are spending Christmas at the Deluxe Cabin. But don’t worry, it’s winterized. They have been isolating there for nine months, now, so it’s only natural to spend the holiday among the evergreens and holly boughs. They put in a change-of-address with Santa, laid in a good supply firewood, food, grog, and their favorite Christmas records. So, like the Boy Scouts, they’re prepared!
The Way Sinatra Acted (12/12/20)
This week's program, which is dated on Frank Sinatra's 105th birthday, features a discussion of Sinatra's career...as an actor. Tom Santopietro, author of
Sinatra in Hollywood, expresses to John & Jessica how Sinatra's extraordinary acting ability made him successful not only in his movie career, but also his music career. It was Sinatra's ability to act that also gave him the ability to interpret songs and deliver them convincingly. And even if Sinatra weren't a singer, he says he still would have been a fine actor.
Fifteen Years Together (12/5/20)
The first episode of Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey aired fifteen years ago, on December 3, 2005. This week, on Episode 784, John & Jess have an anniversary party that recalls the many people that the past fifteen years have brought together. Thank you to everybody whose hard work made it all possible, to our many guests whose talent made the show such fun to hear, to our many affiliate radio stations who extended our group worldwide, and especially to our many listeners whose loyalty and support make it all worthwhile.
Here now are some of the stories and music that played significant roles the Radio Deluxe Story.
Thanksgiving Weekend 2020 (11/28/20)
This year’s Thanksgiving celebrations were unique and unforgettable. That’s an accurate way to describe many events of 2020, without having to assign them any degree of quality. At the Deluxe Cabin, John & Jessica maintained tradition by continuing such Radio Deluxe Thanksgiving customs as Michael McKean’s singing of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Down t’Uncle Bill’s” and the playing of Bing Crosby’s recording of Irving Berlin’s “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For.” John even treated us to a live performance of “Frim Fram Sauce.” They also dished out other food songs, a few favorite “home” songs, Michael Winther’s rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” and a visit to the White Dove Turkey Ranch with Wally Ballou. You can modify the holidays celebrations around here, but you can’t stop them. Come join in the fun!
Jess’s Guesses (11/21/20)
Jessica has come up with a guessing game: Name an artist and then name that artist’s most iconic song. The correct answer is usually debatable. Okay, enough chit-chat, it’s time to play the game!
It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish (11/14/20)
As John & Jessica begin their ninth month of isolation in the woods of Putnam County, they keep spirits up by talking to their friends every week on the Radio Deluxe broadcast and the Five O’clock Somewhere stream. Their music buoys not only their own spirits, but also that of all their listeners and viewers. One of the especially uplifting songs featured this week, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields’ “It’s Not Where You Start,” should inspire us all make it to the finish.
Life After Elections (11/7/20)
This has been a difficult and hectic year. So bad, in fact, we call it 2020. (You’ll understand the implications of that in a few years from now.) Whether or not you’re happy about the outcome of the election, you’re probably glad that it’s over (at least we think it is). So, as those improvements are underway, John & Jessica are enjoying the post-campaign solace in their usual way…with music.
As October Glows, So Goes October (10/31/20)
As jack-o’-lanterns glow and October goes away, we turn our clocks back one hour and find us on the doorstep to Election Day. As we make the seamless transition to November, we look forward to the month ahead, hoping that any transitions it may bring will also be seamless. To our American listeners, be sure to vote, if you haven’t already, and to all: the best of health!
The New October Routine (10/24/20)
It’s mid-October and the lake water has cooled, birds are migrating south, the leaves are falling. It’s that predictable, familiar routine – except for the humans. Their October activites have been greatly altered. School football games are being eliminated, students are attending class from home, the World Series is being played in front of very few spectators, and Halloween will be celebrated without parties or trick-or-treaters. But in spite of it all, the music keeps playing, as we cling to what’s left of our fall routine.
Blustery and Beautiful (10/17/20)
Trees at the peak of their fall colors surround the Deluxe Cabin while inside John & Jessica perform their weekly ritual involving good music and pleasant conversation. As the wind kicks up and the rain threatens, more and more autumn leaves drift by their window, baring the trees for winter. Where’s the part of the story where they head back to Manhattan to have dinner and catch a show? Next chapter.
Turning Leaves and Changing Records (10/10/20)
It’s mid-October and John & Jessica are, as almost always, at the lake. The only things that seem to change this year are the pages on the calendar, the leaves on the trees, and the weather. And at the Deluxe Cabin, the records keep changing, but the music sounds consistent. There’s something comforting about consistency in our lives, so here’s this week’s variation on our familiar theme.
Midnite Ballou (10/3/20)
The second half of this week’s program opens with a track from one of John
Pizzarelli’s favorite albums, “The Atomic Mr. Basie.” Originally titled “Basie,” the 1958 album was arranged by Neal Hefti and won two awards at the 1st Annual Grammy Awards. It includes Hefti's composition “Midnite Blue” which, along with one of John's favorite Bob and Ray routines, inspired the title for this week’s episode of Radio Deluxe. As an alternative to the incessant jazz music, John slipped in a track featuring Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding in the roles of radio reporter Wally Ballou and paper clip mogul Hudley Pierce, who reveal a remarkable story.
Duke’s Deluxe Place (9/26/20)
Musicians and music fans have all found themselves at Duke’s Place at various times. This week, John converted the Deluxe Cabin to Duke’s Place by calling for six Duke Ellington compositions by various artists throughout the program. The other selections were the usual impeccably-chosen songs by John & Jessica for all to enjoy on this first weekend of autumn.
Summer’s Last Weekend (9/19/20)
Even though summer unofficially ends on Labor Day, autumn doesn’t officially begin until 9:31 Tuesday morning, September 22, New York time. That makes this the last weekend of summer. A summer that will not to be forgotten (like most everything else connected to 2020). And like every other weekend this summer, except one, John & Jessica are at the Deluxe Cabin, providing us all with much-needed music and companionship.
Six Months Sequestered (9/12/20)
It started back in March, back before we even knew what was starting. And now, our isolation and social distancing has been around for six months - even though it sometimes feels like years. John and Jessica continue playing their favorite pre-pandemic songs, which remind us of what life was like when it was lived in public. We very much your listening to them, because as long as you’re with us, none of us is alone.
Labor Day Weekend 2020 (9/5/20)
This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer - a summer which itself feels unofficial because of all the cancelled summertime activities. But at the Deluxe SCabin, the music continues to play and the stories continue to be told. So enjoy your holiday weekend, as usual, with the Pizzarellis!
The End of August (8/29/20)
We’re already nearing the end of the summer that hardly was. It’s the fifth weekend of the month, and the latest in August that a weekend can ever be without being part of Labor Day weekend. Nobody that we know has ever written a song about that subject, but John & Jessica have come up with full slate of good songs for the occasion. Many are standards that were recorded by pop stars. Many were written by Cole Poter. One was written and recorded by Cole Porter. And three were written and performed by Antonio Carlos Jobim.
1960 (8/22/20)
This week we celebrate the year for which the 1960 Pontiac was named, which was also the year John F. Kennedy was elected and the year John P. Pizzarelli was born. John celebrated his 60th birthday this year – even though the celebration did not live up to his expectations, as he reminds us several times during this show. But John & Jess celebrate again by putting the spotlight on some favorite stereophonic albums and Broadway musicals of 1960.
Spotlight on Regis and Tony (8/15/20)
John & Jessica had been isolated in their Deluxe Cabin for nearly six months until another disaster moved them out. The effects of what was once Hurricane Isaias caused trees to fall and electricity to stop flowing out in the country, which made the city look like a better option for them. So this week’s show originates from their Deluxe Living Room in Manhattan, where they are able to pay a delayed tribute to their friend Regis Philbin, whom we lost three weeks ago. And they also salute the amazing Tony Bennett, who celebrated his 94th birthday last week. You’ll hear both men performing on this week’s episode of Radio Deluxe, dedicated to Regis and Tony.
Under the August Moon (8/8/20)
If you have to be isolated and distanced (and we all should be), the Deluxe Cabin is not a bad place to be stuck. Unless a tropical storm passes through, downing trees and power lines, which is exactly what Isaias did this week. But usually it’s calm and beautiful at the cabin, with an inviting lake out front, plenty of trees, and Internet access (when the electricity is working). With any luck, John & Jessica are able to be social while distancing, recording their Radio Deluxe show and doing a live video concert every Thursday. And in between, they enjoy summertime at the lake, with music, walks in the woods, and an occasional moonlight swim beneath the August moon.
Annie Ross Recalled (8/1/20)
Singer and actress Annie Ross was one of the earliest guests on Radio Deluxe, appearing on our fifth show, which aired December 31, 2005. Following her death on July 21, 2020 (four days before her 90th birthday), John & Jessica recall her visit and pay tribute to her by replaying portions of that 2005 show.
Annie is best known to listeners as a member of the the jazz vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. She was the daughter of Scottish vaudeville performers, who brought her and her brother to America when she was just a wee lass of four. Soon after, she moved with her Aunt Ella to Los Angeles and her parents and brother returned to Scotland. Her aunt was actress and singer Ella Logan, best known for her starring role in the original cast of Finian’s Rainbow, where she introduced the song “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” Annie’s final album was “To Lady with Love,” which she recorded with Bucky and John Pizzarelli in 2014. Annie Ross songs and stories: it’s all here on Radio Deluxe.
