Bucky Pizzarelli

by Scott Yanow
A superior guitarist appreciated by swing musicians in particular, Bucky Pizzarelli has been a fixture in jazz and the studios since the early 50s. Self-taught, Pizzarelli has long been a master of the seven-string guitar. He toured with Vaughn Monroe before and after a stint in the military. In 1952, Pizzarelli joined the staff of NBC and 12 years later he switched to ABC; in addition, he worked with the Three Sounds (1956-1957) and had several tours with Benny Goodman. In the 1970s he was more active in jazz, co-leading a duo with George Barnes and working with Zoot Sims, Bud Freeman, and Stéphane Grappelli, among many others. Pizzarelli has since kept up a busy recording schedule and plays often at jazz parties. Bucky has also recorded with his son, John Pizzarelli, on an occasional basis since the early 80s, including the albums Nirvana (1995), Solos & Duets (1996), Contrasts (1999), Passionate Guitars (2001), and Generations (2007). Also in 2007 the senior Pizzarelli recorded 5 for Freddie: Buckys Tribute to Freddie Green on the Arbors label.