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For a good time call John Pizzarelli… (Part 2)

John Pizzarelli having a ball along with his audience at the KPLU studios.

…And for good eats call his Aunt Vera.

Recently we posted part 1 of a discussion between musician John Pizzarelli, KPLU jazz host Dick Stein, and Seattle Times food blogger Nancy Leson, and now it is time for part 2.

By Dick Stein

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

What a great time Nancy and I had hanging out with Pizzarelli and talking about food, food movies and his aunt Vera’s cooking — immortalized in song in this segment.  One of the food movies we discussed, Big Night, about an Italian restaurant in the ’50s, features a deliriously over the top multi-course feast prepared for an expected visit from Louis Prima.

I once heard of a restaurant which sponsored a screening of Big Night, then had a mini-bus standing by to convey the subscribers back to a duplicate of the feast shown in the movie.  Any restaurants in the area want to volunteer?  Sign me up!

We’re already looking forward to welcoming Pizz back to KPLU.  If you missed his live on-air performance last week or just want to hear it again here’s where.

Nancy and I think that favorite food movies would be a good topic for an upcoming Food for Thought.  Post your favorites here for discussion down the road.  And speaking of food and movies….

“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.”

— Sophia Loren

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John Pizzarelli’s box lunch serenade

In addition to being a popular jazz host on KPLU, Dick Stein also has a weekly conversation about food with Seattle Times food blogger Nancy Leson.

In addition to being a popular jazz musician, John Pizzarelli also loves food.

The three met up after Pizzarelli performed live in KPLU’s performance studio. Below highlights part 1 of 2 of their discussion.

By Dick Stein and Nancy Leson

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

The only difference between John Pizzarelli and a real ham is…

A real ham can be cured.  And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

After a tuneful 20 minute live studio session with Abe Beeson last week, the singer, guitarist and son of famed rhythm guitar master Bucky Pizzarelli joined us for a box lunch in the KPLU offices.

Of course he brought his guitar and serenaded us with music from the Great American Songbook and his own compositions — including his hilarious Garden State anthem I Love Jersey Best.

Knowing that Nancy was the number one Pizzarelli fangirl I made sure to alert her to this appearance.  What I hadn’t realized was that she and he had been corresponding for some time about food and cooking.

After lunch she, John and I stepped into a studio and recorded this Food for Thought.  We had so much fun  that I’ve made it into a two-parter.

I hope that listening,  you’ll feel yourself in the room with us as we all have great time chatting about food and music — but of course, mostly food.

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Audio Blog: Jazz Perspectives with KPLU’s Weekday Jazz Hosts

KPLU’s four weekday jazz hosts, Dick Stein, Robin Lloyd, Abe Beeson, and myself, individually sat down and recorded thoughts on a variety of topics related to jazz.

With all of us coming from different backgrounds and upbringings, you will hear very different and interesting perspectives on topics ranging from what the first jazz we remember ever hearing, what music was playing when we were growing up, what how we got hooked on jazz, what live jazz performance blew our mind, what jazz musicians we think are doing great things today, and, if we could pick anyone to see play one song in concert, alive or dead, who would it be.

Enjoy the first Groove Notes Audio Blog by clicking here.

Watch Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton play Moonglow, as picked by Dick Stein:

Watch Thelonious Monk play ‘Round Midnight, as picked by Abe Beeson:

Watch Michael Brecker, as picked by Kevin Kniestedt:

Watch Dizzy Gillespie play Manteca, as picked by Robin Lloyd: