Past Shows
Labor Day Weekend 2024 (8/31/24)
John, Jessica, and the Deluxe Cabin are once again reunited on this Labor Day holiday weekend!
Summer in NYC (8/24/24)
John is back from his West Coast tour, Jessica is almost back from her Chicago run, and it’s a warm, pleasant, summer day in New York City. John is calling the tunes...and they are dandies. See for yourself.
West Coast Jazz (8/17/24)
John is on his 2024 West Coast Tour, which includes stops in Seattle, Oakland, Santa Barbara, Irvine, and Los Angeles. And in honor of that, he pays tribute to West Coast artists, including Gerry Mulligan, Vince Guaraldi, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Mel Torme, June Christy, Bobby Tourp, and Julie London, along with West Coast nightclubs, such as Shelly’s Manne-Hole, The Crescendo, and The Saville.
Happy Talk (8/10/24)
Many people have told us how they need to tune in Radio Deluxe to get a break from the news and other realities. With those people in mind, John & Jessica have selected special blend of music with a heavy presence happy-themed songs for your listening and living pleasure. Enjoy!
It’s August Again (8/3/24)
We're down to the last few weeks of summer, your last chance to accomplish the things you want to do this summer that you'll remember all winter long. So get out there and have fun; we'll provide the music.
100 Year Old Songs (7/27/24)
Many of the songs that were published back in 1924 certainly don’t seem like they are 100 years old. A lot of them are still being performed and recorded because they are still relevant to our lives today. Their timeless quality is the reason why they continue to be rediscovered by successive generations of music lovers. This week, John Pizzarelli puts the spotlight on several of the most durable songs from 1924, along with his usual array of more recent songs.
Summer Time at the Summerhouse (7/20/24)
The house was built as a summer house, but then its use was stretched into early autumn, and then late spring. But when it became a refuge from COVID, it was put into full-time service, successfully weathering the storms and the virus. But now, in mid-July, it serves its original purpose, as a base for swimming, hiking, kayaking and campfires, and always music. It’s everyone’s favorite: summertime at the summer house!
Summer Times (7/13/24)
In this midsummer’s show, John & Jessica present some, light, refreshing music with matching snacks. They got through Canada Day and tthe Fourth of July, but there is still more than half of July left to celebrate So join them today for a party just for fun.
Do I Hear a Waltz (7/6/24)
It’s Fourth of July Weekend and John is celebrating solo in the Deluxe Apartment. He starts out with a song about America, then makes a sharp turn and begins playing waltzes. And there are plenty of them. Any song in 3/4 time qualifies. Many we may not have even realized were waltzes, but they all sound good.
Mandel and More (6/29/24)
It’s the fifth weekend of June and John & Jessica are at the Deluxe Cabin, up by the lake, doing summertime things. As usual, they are playing yours and their favorite music, and are reminded of the very talented composer and arranger Johnny Mandel, who passed away four summers back. Now, enjoy the deluxe music, and enjoy your summer.
Summer's Really Here! (6/22/24)
Summer may have begun a few weeks ago, in our minds, but now even the scientists agree that it’s summer. It began officially at the moment of the summer solstice, which occurred this year on Thursday, June 20, at 4:51 PM, Eastern Time. For our friends south of the equator, winter began at the same moment. John and Jess are celebrating at the summer cabin, and you’re invited to join them.
Father’s Day with Bucky (6/15/13)
It started out in 2006 as Show #22, with Bucky Pizzarelli talking about guitar music. Now it’s a favorite favorite conversation for Father’s Day. Bucky, John & Jessica, along with Lifetime Achievement award-winning writer Ted Panken of Down Beat magazine. Enjoy your Father’s Day weekend with Show #968.
Songs from Pre-Uber Days (6/8/24)
Remember how we used to call a taxicab? It didn’t involve the Internet at all. We just dialed the phone or stood at the curb and waved our arm. John, of course, calls songs every week for the show, and this week he’s decided to call songs about taxis, for old time’s sake. He also offers musical salutes to pianist Ray Kennedy and arranger/conductor Nelson Riddle. So enjoy the songs as you explain to the grandkids how cabs used to work, how phone calls used to be made, and how recorded music used to be played. That should make you feel old.
June Is Bustin' Out (6/1/24)
This week’s exciting episode comes on the first day June, a time that some countries and regions celebrate as the start of the summer season. It’s a very important day in the life of carousel workers, which is why Rodgers & Hammerstein put a song that celebrates it in their musical Carousel. John uses it as his opening song today and then follows it up with a few more June songs, He also pays tribute today to Peggy Lee, the songwriter. We hope this all gets you in a happy, June mood so you’ll be able to enjoy the day, enjoy the season, and enjoy the music! (Pictured: Memphis in June, a shady veranda, under a Sunday blue sky)
Memorial Day 2024 (5/25/24)
John Pizzarell has the deluxe living room all to himself as Jessica is in Chicago, beginning her work in a three-month run of the new musical Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. John, however, carries on in the tradition of the showbiz adage, “The radio show must go on.”
Three of a Kind (5/18/24)
John Pizzarelli has selected several sets of records, with each set containing three songs that all have something in common. For example, one set contains three songs related to Benny Goodman, another set contains three songs from the musical Oklahoma!, a third set is made up of three songs that John learned to play on the banjo when he was but a lad, and another set is made up entirely of songs popularized by Nat King Cole. It’s programming like that that will surely keep you listening for the next two hours.
Don't Forget Mother's Day (5/11/24)
John & Jessica are celebrating glorious weather, springtime in Manhattan, and Mother’s Day. Although the Mother’s day part didn’t dawn of them until hour 2 of the show (John blames the fact that the show was pre-reorded). Anyway, just in time, here is a music show for mom. Flowers, candy, and brunch are optional.
The Blossom Centennial (5/4/24)
Margrthe Blossom Deaire was born in New York’s Catskill Mountains on April 28, 1924, which makes this week a time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of American jazz singer and pianist Blossom Dearie. During her long career, Blossom became the toast of New York, London, and Paris. And today we toast her centennial on Radio Deluxe!
Mel, John & Don (4/27/24)
Singers Mel Torme and John Pizzarelli achieved the coveted Radio Deluxe Double Play status with back-to-back songs on today’s show. And Don Sebesky qualifies for the Double Play honor because he arranged both of John’s songs. So that’s like a Double-Double, as they would call it at In-N-Out Burger. These are the things we think about on a pleasant late-April day at the lake. And today we fondly remember the great composer and arranger Don Sebesky, who passed away a year ago, on April 29, 2023, at age 85.
April in Anyplace (4/20/24)
Paris has probably been the city most associated with the month of April since 1933, when a song about “chestnuts in blossom and holiday tables under the trees” became a hit song. But “April in Paris” is just one of many songs about the very appealing and eagerly welcomed month. April is one of those mild months that people enjoy everywhere, on both sides of the equator. You’ll hear many songs and descriptions of this favorite month during this mid-April episode of Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey.
In Full Spring (4/13/24)
It’s mid-April and spring is in full swing. John and Jessica are at the deluxe lake house, and John describes the weather as a “glorious spring day.” The chill is gone from the air, baseball is back on the radio, and we’ve just begun the warm half of the year. So sit back with our hosts and enjoy the gentle breezes, the chirping birds, and the best music.
It's John Pizzarelli's Birthday (4/6/24)
The date of this episode falls on John Pizzarelli’s 64th birthday, which leads the obvious choice for the opening number. Besides recordings by John, we will also hear songs this week from Jessica’s first four albums. Originally released by PC Classics in the early 1980s, they are now being re-released by Center Stage Records. So it’s a double celebration this week on Radio Deluxe.
Easter Again (3/30/24)
John & Jessica are spending the weekend in the city this year, probably because they want to show off their finery in the Easter Parade along Fifth Avenue. And I wonder if Jessica will be wearing her bonnet, the one with all the frills upon it, most likely created by Henri Bendel. Let’s listen in and see what we can find out.
Spring, Spring, Spring (3/23/24)
John & Jessica welcome Spring 2024 up at the lake house. It’s there where they can best observe all the predictable things that plants and animals do when springtime arrives. And, because it’s taking place at the Deluxe Cabin, it’s all accompanied by songs about spring – and there are many.
Almost Equinox (3/16/24)
The vernal (or spring) equinox occurs – and spring begins – at the same moment around the globe, at 03:06 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) this Wednesday, March 20th. In North America, it happens on Tuesday at 11:06 PM EDT and 8:06 PM PDT. So this weekend, John & Jessica present the last official program of winter, just before the sun crosses the equator into the northern hemisphere. It’s quite astronomical.
A Little Bit of Everything (3/9/24)
Young artists, old artists, old recordings, new recordings, a song from 1929, a song from 2023. This week’s show is A Little Bit of Everything.
It’s Not Quite Spring, but It’s March (3/2/24)
If the groundhog was correct a month ago today, we are just a couple weeks away from the start of spring. But the arrival of March makes many of us think that it’s already spring (or autumn if you’re south of the equator). John & Jessica are back at the lake house, admiring the crocuses, and listening to many of their favorite songs.
Maddie’s in the House (2/24/24)
The role of Jessica Molaskey in today’s program is played by Maddie Pizzarelli. Luckily, we’re a radio show big enough to have an understudy on staff while Ms. Malasky continues her acclaimed role in The Connector at New York’s MCC Theater. Ms. Pizzarelli, meanwhile, fills in seamlessly as John Pizzarelli’s comic and musical partner, spinning the platters, telling the tales, and plugging upcoming appearances.
Getting Up to Speed (2/17/24)
The Pizzarelli calendar is approaching pre-covid levels again. Last week, John had several concert dates in California and Arizona and, in the week ahead, he’ll be in St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale. Meanwhile, Jessica continues her role in The Connector in New York, a play that has been extended for another month. They’re spending more time in the city, although they go up to the cabin for fun.
The Osgood File (2/10/24)
Broadcaster, author, poet, and musician Charles Osgood hosted CBS News Sunday Morning for 22 years on television and was heard daily on The Osgood File for 46 years on CBS Radio. In recognition of his passing, on January 23,2024, Radio Deluxe is rerunning segments from its Episode #101, which first aired November 3, 2007. As the guest, Mr. Osgood tells stories, talks about music, and makes music by singing and playing piano, along with John Pizzarelli & his Trio (with Larry Fuller and Martin Pizzarelli) and Jessica Molaskey. So, as a treat, you can still see Charlie on the radio today.
Just off the Boat (2/3/24)
John Pizzarelli talks like he just got off the boat, telling stories of all the things that happened during The Jazz Cruise as he sailed through the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, Jessica Molaskey, who opens in a new musical theater production on Monday, has her own stories, and both of them combine to tell the stories behind the making of a new album by Steven Pasquale and John. Lots of stories and lots of music to hear this week on Radio Deluxe!
A Smiling Face, a Fireplace, a Cozy Room (1/27/24)
John & Jessica are spending a weekend in the woods. Attracted by a smiling face, a fireplace, a cozy room, our host couple sits by the fire chatting and playing music, including one of John’s all-time favorite songs, “My Blue Heaven.”
Anchors Aweigh (1/20/24)
John & Jessica got together just before going their separate ways this week, Jessica to the theater and John out to sea for the annual Jazz Cruise. Some of the stars of the floating festival are in the Radio Deluxe spotlight, to give you a taste of what you're missing--or not (maybe you're listening on board, through the wi-fi). If so, bon voyage!
Deluxe Redux: Terry Teachout (1/13/24)
Writer Terry Teachout died two years ago today, on January 13, 2022, at age 65. The author, critic, biographer, playwright, stage director, and librettist was one of our earliest guests on Radio Deluxe, recorded on May 13, 2006. He talked with John & Jessica about the arts, his career, and some of his favorite recordings, which he brought with him. Today, in remembrance of Terry, we present that interview in its entirety.
January 6th Again (1/6/24)
January 6th is observed every year as a significant day on the Christian calendar. The day is also known as “Three Kings Day,” “Little Christmas,” or “Epiphany.” The eve of the date is known as “Twelfth Night,” falling 12 days after Christmas Eve. It often goes unnoticed, but for the past three years, January 6th has become the name of a news event that we hear about often. But the music on today’s program focuses more on peace on earth, joy to the world, and of course love. Always love songs:
A Peaceful Transition of Years (12/30/23)
On New Year's Eve, we may see what look like bombs bursting in air, but it's actually a celebration focusing on positive thoughts for the year ahead. The holiday's theme song, "Auld Lang Syne," is about good times fondly remembered, an important sentiment, but the fireworks and champagne corks are popping for the future, the start of a new year that we are facing together. We do it peacefully and cooperatively, with a willingness to do what is expected of us to help make the world a better place. Here's to a happy 2024!
Christmas 2023 (12/23/23)
John & Jessica are back in the deluxe living room of their deluxe Manhattan apartment high above Lexington Avenue. Just like Christmases past. And like people all around the world, they are beginning their celebrations while at the same time preparing for for the big day on Monday. The music on this week’s show is mostly traditional, performed by a mixture of new and traditional artists. We hope all of our listeners are enjoying the holiday season and we are grateful that you are spending part of it with us.
The Annual Tree Trimming (12/16/23)
A couple weeks before Christmas, the Pizzarellis decorate their Christmas tree together. Every year they unwrap the same ornaments and tell same stories behind them, but that’s what makes it a family Christmas tradition. And like all Pizzarelli traditions, it’s a accompanied by music. So enjoy the music and the stories and feel free to help them decorate.
Deeper in December (12/9/23)
As Christmas draws near, John & Jessica are back in Manhattan, home of such famous holiday locations as the Rockefeller Plaza, Rado City Music Hall, Macy’s and Gimbels, FAO Schwartz, and that Deluxe Apartment high atop Lexington Avenue. That’s where you’ll find the best record collection in New York City, which includes such holiday and other favorites as:
The First of Five December Weekends (12/2/23)
There are five weekends in this December, which will be useful because it's such a jam-packed month, involving food, gifts, and celebrations...and always music. We’re so happy you joined the party going on now at the Deluxe Cabin!
Thanksgiving Weekend 2023 (11/23/23)
The Radio Deluxe show has been around so long that it has acquired its own holiday traditions. The songs John & Jessica unpack are like favorite Christmas ornaments that come out every year. There are songs of gratitude, songs of home and family, and songs about food. We give thanks to you for your support and invite you to enjoy the feast!
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