with John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey
Latest Show
Almost All Women Singers (1/18/25)
John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey are back in the deluxe living room in their Manhattan apartment this week. Other than instrmentals, this episode features only women singers, except for a duet by Tony Bennett and Diana Krall, a Dave Frishburg song, and a track by Steven Pasquale, who got chosen for the closing number after identifying as simply another vocalist deluxe. This is Show Number 999 which, coincidentally, is also the last episode that President Joe Biden will be able to listen to in the White House, as he loves to do. We sincerely hope that he and you enjoy the show. (Pictured: Samara Joy)
Program Notes
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch. – Captain Bill (Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Live at MCG With Kurt Elling)
Jason Robert Brown & Jessica Molaskey – Stars and the Moon (Songs for a New World) Rebecca Kilgore/Hal Smith's Rhythm Makers – I’m More Than Satisfied (Sings the Music of Fat's Waller)
Rebecca Kilgore, John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey – We Take on the Town (Pizzarelli Party)
Isaiah J. Thompson – Heartburn Waltz (A Guarldi Holiday)
Stacey Kent - If You Go Away (If You Go Away)
Corliss Dale - What a Little Moonlight Can Do (Fascinating Rhythm)
Tierney Sutton – Dancing in the Dark (Without a Song)
Lorraine Feather - Where Are My Keys? (Language)
Samara Joy – Social Call (Linger Awhile)
Cecille McLorin Salvant – You’re My Thrill (Dreams and Daggars)
Harry Allen/Jan Lundgren Quartet – Theme from MASH (Quietly There)
Dave Frishberg – Slappin’ the Cakes on Me (Classics)
Carol Sloane – Exactly Like You (We’ll Meet Again)
Maddie Pizzarelli – Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
June Christy - It Could Happen to You (Something Cool)
Tony Bennett & Diana Krall – Nice Work if You Can Get It (Love Is Here to Stay)
Jessica Molaskey - Dry Cleaner from Des Moines (Portraits of Joni)
Sarah Vaughan - Frazier (The Sensuous Lion) (Send in the Clowns)
Jimmy Rowles – The Peacocks (The Special Magic of Jimmy Rowles)
Rosemary Clooney – Nice Work if You Can Get It (Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gershwin)
Kurt Elling – Downtown (Live in Chicago)
Catherine Russell - I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart (Bring It Back)
Steven Pasquale & John Pizzarelli – Young at Heart (I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart) Ruby Braff/Bucky Pizzarelli/John Pizzarelli Trio – Lulu’s Back in Town (C'est Magnifique)
Past Shows
The Bleak Midwinter (1/11/25)
It’s midwinter, known to many as the bleak midwinter because of an English poem by Christina Ressetti, first published 153 years ago this month. Originally titled “A Christmas Carol,” it was later set to music, under the title “In the Bleak Midwinter,” matching the first line of the verse. The bleakness of this time of year is probably due to the presence of snow, ice and cold, and the hibernating animals and migrating birds who are nowhere to be seen. But John and Jessica can always cheer us up, with good music, some laughs, and a cozy fire. Although John also selects the optional week-long, Caribbean jazz cruise.
Enter 2025 (1/4/25)
The year 2025 has arrived and most of us consider “the holidays” officially over (well, almost). Monday, January 6, is Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, Little Christmas, or the Twelfth Day of Christmas, which is all the days Christmas has. So actually, I guess you still have three days left to do some very last-minute shopping, but only if you’re shopping for drummers drumming, pipers piping, or lords a-leaping. Now we’ve started our next cheerful little year full of holidays, each associated with its own special songs, most of which you’ll hear on "Radio Deluxe" in the months ahead. We wish you happy holidays–every one of them–to every one of you!
Last Weekend of the Year (12/28/24)
It’s the last weekend of 2024, as we fast approach the start of 2025, which begins on Wednesday. And as the year changes, we not only look forward to better times ahead, but also back to our good times and old acquaintanaces that should never be forgotten. This is the time, as the words of Robert Burns suggest, “We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”
Christmas, Hanukkah & Kwanzaa (12/21/24)
Wherever you are and whatever holidays you’re celebrating, we hope the season brings you joy, peace, and love! And we hope our little radio program helps deliver all those things and whatever else you wish for throughout this and all the other seasons and throughout the year (there are songs about evey one of them, you know). We are very appreciative of all of you in the Radio Deluxe family, for your continued listening and your ongoing support. (Pictured is a deluxe family member: producer Don McCulloch’s two-year-old grandson, Henry, experiencing his first fun snowfall, on 12/21/24.) We wish you all a very merry, a most happy, and all the best to you and yours.
X Minus 10 (12/14/24)
Ten days from this program date is Christmas Eve, the silent night, holy night, and the night before Christmas, when a visitor who’s chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf—will make you laugh when you see him, in spite of yourself. And we, as he, wish “a happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” And also maybe a few long winter’s naps along the way.
John & Jessica's Usual Routine (12/7/24)
It doesn't matter, the weather, or the location, John & Jessica don't venture too far from the formula: deluxe music, pleasant conversation, and many laughs. And you, of course. You contribute ideas and give the show a purpose. And thanks for that.
Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 (11/30/24)
Happy Thanksgiving! It started last Thursday, but it continues as long as the leftovers hold out. Thanksgiving this year is as late as it can ever be; so late, in fact, that December arrives while it’s still Thanksgiving weekend! The holiday is designated as the fourth Thursday of November (not the last, as it used to be). That means November 28th is the latest it can be. It can’t ever be on the 29th or 30th because those days are always the fifth occurance in the month for whatever days of the week they fall. In Canada, Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday of October, so happy belated Thanksgiving to our many Canadian friends. Check your almanac for more details, but for now it’s on with the show ...
The Jones Boys (Jack and Quincy) (11/23/24)
We recently lost two greats from the deluxe music world: Jack Jones and Quincy Jones. They are both honored on this week’s program with their recordings and, in the case of Jack Jones, we replay the interview from when he visited John & Jessica in 2006. The name of this radio episode was inspired by a popular song, "The Jones Boy," a hit for the Mills Brothers in 1954 and a successful jazz album, The Jones Boys, recorded in 1957, that featured Thad Jones, on trumpet; Jimmy Jones, piano; Eddie Jones, bass; Jo Jones, drums; Reunald Jones, trumpet, and Quincy Jones, flugelhorn. Songs included "The Jones Bash" and "Jones Beach" (both written by Quincy Jones), "Blues for the Joneses" (by Thad Jones) and of course "Have You Met Miss Jones?" (Rodgers & Hart).
Quintessentials (11/16/24)
Here’s how the game is played: The radio host (call her Jessica) names an artist that is popular among Radio Deluxe listeners. The contestant (call him John, or use your own name) then tries to name the artist’s most quintessential song. The host then reveals the song she thinks is (or wishes were) the song most closely associated with the artist. If the contestant’s guess matches the host’s guess, the contestant wins! Every winner or loser or disinterested person then gets to—or has to, depending their viewpoint—listen to the song. It’s that simple. Spoiler alert: all the answers are listed below.
And the Days Grow Short (11/9/24)
We’re getting deeper into autumn. This second weekend in November is the first one after we set our clocks to standard time and the first one after the long-anticipated election. Both events are controversial, and many people insist that both took us back in time. Regardless of your opinion, John & Jessica provide us with music and conversation that will hopefully produce comfort and a positive outlook.
There's No Time Like November (11/2/24)
The month of November begins with All Saints’ Day, also kown as All Hallows’ Day (hallow meaning holy), a Christian holiday celebrating all of the church’s saints. The evening before the holiday is All Hallows’ Eve, better known as Halloween. November 2nd is All Souls’ Day, a celebration of all faithful souls who have gone before. In Mexico, they celebrate Day of the Dead, which is a two-day celebration that occurs on both November 1st and 2nd.
A major election is held every other November (always on the first Tuesday after the first Monday). And, of course, November always marks the start of our big holiday season that includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, which means that November 28th (when it is this year) is the latest it can ever be. So brace yourself, be sure to vote, and happy holiday season from all of us at Radio Deluxe!
As October Goes (10/26/24)
In the midst of their Carlyle run, John & Jess relax with some of their favorite records at one of their favorite places, the Deluxe Cabin by the lake. It’s the last weekend of October, when you might expect to hear Mercer and Manilow’s “When October Goes,” but we’re holding off on that song, just to keep you guessing.
Creel, Page, Schwatz & More (10/19/24)
John & Jessica pay tribute to two Broadway stars whom we recently lost: Gavin Creel and Ken Page. They both died on the same day, September 30, 2024. Gavin at age 48 and Ken at 70. John also got on the subject and songs by Arthur Schwartz after someone sent a letter correcting him about lyricist Dorothy Fields. John also brings up other songwriters, singers, and sidemen that lead to several other stories and songs, eventually closing the show with a final song by Gavin Creel. I think John calls that doing “the weave.”
The First Hint of Autumn (10/12/24)
Last week, it still felt like summer at the Deluxe Cabin. But since then, cooler nighttime temperatures have encouraged John & Jessica to discontinue swimming in the lake.The days are still pleasant, however, and our deluxe couple continues to enjoy sitting on the veranda, preparing meals, and playing music. Music on the show this week includes several young singers and some popular vocal groups.
Loesser and More (10/5/24)
It’s the first weekend of October and John & Jess find themselves at the Deluxe Cabin where they will be concluding their summertime activities (like swimming in the lake and buying veggies from the farm stand). Music listening is a year ‘round activity, however, and there will be plenty of that, of course, with a special focus on the songs of Frank Loesser, especially ones from his Broadway musicals Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Come join the lakeside fun!
Autumn In, September Out (9/28/24)
The season of autumn is on its way in as the month of September is on its way out, on this very same weekend – the last weekend of September and the first full weekend of fall.
Triple Treats (9/21/24)
John & Jess shine the spotlight on the multi-talented artists of stage and film. They are the ones who sing, dance, and act, and make the rest of us feel inadequate, until we realize it's a lot more fun and a lot less work to simply enjoy their talents. So this week we can enjoy hearing from Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Rosemary Clooney and others. It's a real treat. Often a triple treat.
Frishberg, Simon & Other Faves (9/14/24)
One of the things that John & Jess enjoy is to play sets of songs that have something in common, such as songs that share a subject, or songs by a particular performer, or songs by the same composer. Today, we’ll hear several songs written by Dave Frishberg and another set of songs written by Paul Simon that are all performed by women. And if you have your own idea for a song set, please feel free to let us know about it at info@radiodeluxe.com.
Summer in September (9/7/24)
This is the weekend after Labor Day Weekend, and yet it’s is our first show of September! It must be one of those Deluxe oddities. Officially, there are only three weekends left in Joh & Jessica’s summer, counting this one, and they are taking advantage of it by spending time at the lake, doing summertime things. Let’s go there now and have some waning summertime fun!
Labor Day Weekend 2024 (8/31/24)
John, Jessica, and the Deluxe Cabin are once again reunited on this Labor Day holiday weekend!
Summer in NYC (8/24/24)
John is back from his West Coast tour, Jessica is almost back from her Chicago run, and it’s a warm, pleasant, summer day in New York City. John is calling the tunes...and they are dandies. See for yourself.
West Coast Jazz (8/17/24)
John is on his 2024 West Coast Tour, which includes stops in Seattle, Oakland, Santa Barbara, Irvine, and Los Angeles. And in honor of that, he pays tribute to West Coast artists, including Gerry Mulligan, Vince Guaraldi, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Mel Torme, June Christy, Bobby Tourp, and Julie London, along with West Coast nightclubs, such as Shelly’s Manne-Hole, The Crescendo, and The Saville.
Happy Talk (8/10/24)
Many people have told us how they need to tune in Radio Deluxe to get a break from the news and other realities. With those people in mind, John & Jessica have selected special blend of music with a heavy presence happy-themed songs for your listening and living pleasure. Enjoy!
It’s August Again (8/3/24)
We're down to the last few weeks of summer, your last chance to accomplish the things you want to do this summer that you'll remember all winter long. So get out there and have fun; we'll provide the music.
100 Year Old Songs (7/27/24)
Many of the songs that were published back in 1924 certainly don’t seem like they are 100 years old. A lot of them are still being performed and recorded because they are still relevant to our lives today. Their timeless quality is the reason why they continue to be rediscovered by successive generations of music lovers. This week, John Pizzarelli puts the spotlight on several of the most durable songs from 1924, along with his usual array of more recent songs.
Summer Time at the Summerhouse (7/20/24)
The house was built as a summer house, but then its use was stretched into early autumn, and then late spring. But when it became a refuge from COVID, it was put into full-time service, successfully weathering the storms and the virus. But now, in mid-July, it serves its original purpose, as a base for swimming, hiking, kayaking and campfires, and always music. It’s everyone’s favorite: summertime at the summer house!
Summer Times (7/13/24)
In this midsummer’s show, John & Jessica present some, light, refreshing music with matching snacks. They got through Canada Day and tthe Fourth of July, but there is still more than half of July left to celebrate So join them today for a party just for fun.
Do I Hear a Waltz (7/6/24)
It’s Fourth of July Weekend and John is celebrating solo in the Deluxe Apartment. He starts out with a song about America, then makes a sharp turn and begins playing waltzes. And there are plenty of them. Any song in 3/4 time qualifies. Many we may not have even realized were waltzes, but they all sound good.
Mandel and More (6/29/24)
It’s the fifth weekend of June and John & Jessica are at the Deluxe Cabin, up by the lake, doing summertime things. As usual, they are playing yours and their favorite music, and are reminded of the very talented composer and arranger Johnny Mandel, who passed away four summers back. Now, enjoy the deluxe music, and enjoy your summer.
Summer's Really Here! (6/22/24)
Summer may have begun a few weeks ago, in our minds, but now even the scientists agree that it’s summer. It began officially at the moment of the summer solstice, which occurred this year on Thursday, June 20, at 4:51 PM, Eastern Time. For our friends south of the equator, winter began at the same moment. John and Jess are celebrating at the summer cabin, and you’re invited to join them.
Father’s Day with Bucky (6/15/13)
It started out in 2006 as Show #22, with Bucky Pizzarelli talking about guitar music. Now it’s a favorite favorite conversation for Father’s Day. Bucky, John & Jessica, along with Lifetime Achievement award-winning writer Ted Panken of Down Beat magazine. Enjoy your Father’s Day weekend with Show #968.
Songs from Pre-Uber Days (6/8/24)
Remember how we used to call a taxicab? It didn’t involve the Internet at all. We just dialed the phone or stood at the curb and waved our arm. John, of course, calls songs every week for the show, and this week he’s decided to call songs about taxis, for old time’s sake. He also offers musical salutes to pianist Ray Kennedy and arranger/conductor Nelson Riddle. So enjoy the songs as you explain to the grandkids how cabs used to work, how phone calls used to be made, and how recorded music used to be played. That should make you feel old.
June Is Bustin' Out (6/1/24)
This week’s exciting episode comes on the first day June, a time that some countries and regions celebrate as the start of the summer season. It’s a very important day in the life of carousel workers, which is why Rodgers & Hammerstein put a song that celebrates it in their musical Carousel. John uses it as his opening song today and then follows it up with a few more June songs, He also pays tribute today to Peggy Lee, the songwriter. We hope this all gets you in a happy, June mood so you’ll be able to enjoy the day, enjoy the season, and enjoy the music! (Pictured: Memphis in June, a shady veranda, under a Sunday blue sky)
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