Jazz guitar hero: Bucky Pizzarelli leads a three-man tribute

Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli has seen it all.

And still going strong at 83, Pizzarelli will bring his patented brand of classic swing to The Jazz Corner on March 27-28, in the company of two other jazz guitarists: Howard Alden and Howard Paul.

Pizzarelli started as a guitarist in the classic rhythm mold, playing an archtop Gibson. He played in the dance band of Vaughn Monroe, staying on until his next big gig as one of the house musicians for NBC. Pizzarelli then joined Doc Severinsen’s band on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
In addition to his work with Severinsen, Benny Goodman, Les Paul and others, Pizzarelli has also recorded several albums as a leader, including 2007’s “Five For Freddie” and “Generations,” recorded with his son John.

Pizzarelli’s bandmates for the Jazz Corner shows are also practitioners of the classic swing style. Alden has made more than 20 recordings, and film fans heard his work in Woody Allen’s 1999 movie “Sweet and Lowdown.” Paul is the house guitarist for The Jazz Corner.

Shows begin at 8 p.m. both nights, and tickets are $20. The Jazz Corner is located in the Village at Wexford. For information, call 843-842-8620 or go to www.thejazzcorner.com.

By Jason Crane, Special to the Guide. Crane is the host of The Jazz Session, the weekly jazz interview show.