JOHN PIZZARELLI
Grammy winning producer, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a pair of heartfelt tributes Dear Mr. Bennett, to be released March 3, 2026, which features Pizzarelli’s trio performing timeless songs made famous by Bennett.
For world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, Tony Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, appearing on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast that also featured pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart. The admiration was mutual – Bennett could be found in the audience for a number of Pizzarelli’s performances, and sketched his likeness on two occasions. The charming artwork that graces the cover of Pizzarelli’s heartfelt new tribute album, Dear Mr. Bennett, was rendered during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel.
John Pizzarelli ~ guitar and vocals
Isaiah J. Thompson ~ piano
Mike Karn ~ double bass
Tickets: Streaming $15.00 +fee | GA $45.00 ~ $55.00 +fee
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Freddy Robinson was born Fred Leroy Robinson on February 24, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee but was raised in Arkansas and by 1956 was in Chicago. That year he first recorded backing harmonica player Birmingham Jones. In 1958, he began touring with Little Walter and after seeing a jazz band performance was inspired to formally learn music at the Chicago School of Music.
Freddy soon was working and recording with Howlin’ Wolf, and by the mid-1960s was playing with Jerry Butler and Syl Johnson before joining Ray Charles in Los Angeles. While there, he recorded the instrumental “Black Fox”, which became a minor pop hit. In the early 1970s, he worked with English blues bandleader John Mayall, playing on the album Jazz Blues fusion and recording with trumpeter Blue Mitchell.
As a leader Robinson would record two albums, At The Drive In and Off The Cuff, supported by Joe Sample and Wilton Felder of the Crusaders. Throughout his career he worked with Earl Gaines, Jimmy Rogers, Monk Higgins, Stanley Turrentine and Bobby Bland. In 1975 he converted to Islam changing his name to Abu Talib and recorded solo, re-emerging in 1994 with an album of his own compositions, The Real Thing at Last.
Abu Talib, jazz and blues guitarist, singer and harmonica player, died of cancer in Lancaster, California on October 8, 2009.
PAMELA HART
Women in Jazz Association, Inc. proudly continues its celebration of Women’s History Month with a very special concert event honoring one of the greatest voices in jazz history. Pamela Hart Sings “The Divine Sarah Vaughan” Join us Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM, Doors 7:00 PM, at Parker Jazz Club, 117 W. 4th Street, Suite 107B, Austin, TX, for an unforgettable evening of swing, soul, and supreme vocal artistry. Austin’s First Lady of Jazz, Pamela Hart, brings the music of Sarah Vaughan to life with elegance, power, and deep respect for the legacy of one of jazz’s most influential women.
This performance is part of Women in Jazz Association’s ongoing mission to uplift, preserve, and celebrate women’s contributions to jazz during Women’s History Month and beyond. This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts. One night. One legendary voice. One unforgettable tribute.
Tickets: $30.19 ~ $41.19 | fees included
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KENNY WILLIAMS
In his acclaimed 25-year musical career, vocalist Kenny Williams has lit up stages nationally and internationally, and spent nearly a decade performing on Broadway in New York City, making his Broadway debut in Disney’s hit musical The Lion King. A tornado of talent and charisma, Williams possesses an impressive vocal range and a light-from-within aura. The Austin native studied voice at the University of Texas, and cut his teeth as an actor and an entertainer in clubs on the city’s famed 6th Street and at ZACH Theatre.
Williams was born to entertain, and his star shines brightly. He is a truly gifted vocalist, while his spirit, energy, and passion will bring you back for more. This show will also be available via livestream at parkerjazzclub.com/livestream. Online donations welcome. All proceeds benefit local nonprofit Texas Jazz Society.
Tickets: $41.19 ~ $52.19 (fee included)
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Nancy Wilson was born February 20, 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio and at an early age was listening to Billy Eckstine, Nat Cole, Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown, LaVerne Baker, Little Esther and Jimmy Scott. She became aware of her talent while singing in church choirs, imitating singers as a young child and performing in her grandmother’s house during summer visits. By the age of four, she knew she would eventually become a singer.
At the age of 15, while at West High School in Columbus she won a talent contest sponsored by local television station WTVN. The prize was an appearance on a twice-a-week television show, Skyline Melodies, which she ended up hosting. She also worked clubs on the east and north sides of Columbus until she graduated from high school.
She spent one year at Ohio Central State College to become a teacher but dropped out to follow her original ambitions. She auditioned and won a spot with Rusty Bryant’s Carolyn Club Big Band in 1956, touring with them throughout Canada and the Midwest in 1956 to 1958. While in this group, Nancy made her first recording for Dots Records.
Nancy met Cannonball Adderley who suggested she move to New York that she did in 1959. Within four weeks she was filling in for Irene Reid at “The Blue Morocco” that booked her permanently four nights a week. With John Levy as her manager, who sent four demos to Capitol Records culminating with a contract signed in 1960 and recorded her debut release “Like In Love”.
Over the course of her career Nancy won three Grammy Awards, was nominated seven times, recorded more than six dozen albums, appeared in four movies, and sixteen television shows ranging from drama to comedy.
Song stylist and vocalist Nancy Wilson passed away on December 13, 2018, at her home in Pioneertown, California at 81 years old.
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