John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey

Birdland, NYC, July 31, 2018

Reviewed by Candace Leeds for Cabaret Scenes

The charming musical couple—guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli and his vocalist wife, Jessica Molaskey—treated the audience to a unique program of all original songs, many of which they had never before performed in public. Pizzarelli explained with a chuckle, “When we write the songs at home, they are all so exciting—then we play them before people, and we sweat a lot.” Backed by a trio of piano, bass, and drums, he began with a jazzy upbeat tune he wrote, “Oh, How My Heart Beats for You,” which showcased his virtuoso guitar skills. Molaskey continued with their bluesy “How Come You Ain’t Got Me,” from her 2002 debut album Pentimento.

Pizzarelli explained that they were celebrating their 20th anniversary, and, in honor of their marriage, they would write a song for every year. This prompted a man to jump up from the audience and lead a chorus of “Happy Anniversary.” Everyone chuckled as Molaskey sang the amusing lyrics of “I Can’t Get a Tan,” celebrating what she called her Irish/Catholic/Connecticut upbringing. Another cute song, “Headed Out to Vera’s” (Pizzarelli/Grover Kemble), was a tribute to Pizzarelli’s aunt. “Yes, there really is a Vera,” he said with a laugh, “but she hated the song lyric which mentions her greasy fried chicken.” We loved the jazz classic “Perdido” (Juan Tizol), which was updated with a playful vocalese by Molaskey.

Pizzarelli’s easy charm,  playful manner, and great jazz chops, combined with Molaskey’s vocal stylings, made the show a winner.