World on a String, livre ebook

John Pizzarelli, the son of jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, is a connoisseur of American song who grew up among the legends of jazz. From teenage explorations of rock music to life on the road with his father, he worked his way from gigs in tiny clubs to opening for Frank Sinatra during his final international tour. Now Pizzarelli performs in festivals and top venues across the United States and the world, and he shares his unique journey in this revealing, charming, and heartwarming memoir.

• Includes firsthand stories of famous jazz greats and popular music icons including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Benny Goodman, Joe Pass, James Taylor, and Paul McCartney
• Reveals what it was like to grow up among great musicians and storytellers and shares the day-to-day experiences of a touring musician's life
• Includes thirty-five terrific photographs that take you inside John Pizzarelli's life and music
• Part of the Wiley-Lincoln Center alliance

Absorbing, upbeat, funny, and down to earth, World on a String is an irresistible celebration of music and life that will appeal to John Pizzarelli's large and growing following.

Foreword by Jonathan Schwartz xi

Acknowledgments xv

Preface xvii

1 When I Was a Little Boy 1

2 Rock and Roll High School 15

3 Travels with Bucky 29

How I Met My Mother 49

4 Sing, Sing, Sing 53

5 The King of Swing: Benny 75

My Mother’s Eggplant 88

6 Raised on Radio 91

7 On the Road 111

8 Counting My Blessings: Loving Rosie 123

9 Come Fly with Me: My Travels with Mr. Sinatra 145

10 Team Dream 167

11 On Broadway 177

12 On the Road (Again) 193

13 Let Me off Uptown (but with a Stop at 76th and Madison) 207

This Old Guitar 223

14 The Long and Winding Country Road: James Taylor and Paul McCartney 225

Finale: The Best Is Yet to Come 239

My Favorite Things 245

FAQ 251

Discography 263

Index 267