JOHN PIZZARELLI, UTAH SYMPHONY, Deer Valley Resort, Saturday.
DEER VALLEY — While the rest of Utah was watching fireworks explode in celebration of Pioneer Day, the Utah Symphony was also making some fireworks in Deer Valley.
With two special guests — John Pizzarelli and pianist Michael Chertock — and conductor Keith Lockhart, the organization kicked off its inaugural Deer Valley Music Festival on Saturday with a program dedicated entirely to the music of George Gershwin.
For Gershwin fans, the selection must have been a dream come true. The first half focused on Gershwin's more "serious" side, the classical-crossover music of "An American in Paris" and his beloved "Rhapsody in Blue." The orchestra gave excellent, vibrant performances of both, and Chertock's piano interpretation showed both liveliness and an affinity for Gershwin's music. Clarinetist Tad Calcara gets kudos, as well, for his sexy, sliding solo that began "Rhapsody in Blue."
The second half shifted gears to a lighter side, with Gershwin's show tunes. Jazz guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli and his trio took the spotlight and led the audience on a journey through some of the composer's most beloved hits — "I Got Rhythm," "They All Laughed," "Lady Be Good."
Ever the consummate entertainer, Pizzarelli brought a sparkle to his performance that kept the audience engaged and entertained. With interesting stories and banter, he kept the atmosphere as lively as the music, even when he wasn't playing or singing. Some of the most enjoyable moments were those where Pizzarelli took a guitar solo, singing scat along with the high-speed guitar riffs.
The mix of arrangements was good, varying the amount and style of the orchestra's involvement. In "Fascinatin' Rhythm," Pizzarelli and his trio were left to themselves. In "Lady Be Good," the symphony took a more dominant role. Sometimes it sounded like a lush Hollywood orchestra, as in "Our Love Is Here to Stay." Other times, it was more like a big band.
One of the more enjoyable arrangements was taken from Pizzarelli's latest CD, "Bossa Nova," and set "S'Wonderful" to the gentle sway of the Brazilian bossa nova mood and rhythm. He stayed with a traditional sound and style for most everything else, however.
The members of Pizzarelli's trio — pianist Ray Kennedy, bassist Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco — also deserve recognition for their fine performances, although Kennedy got the only solo.
For those who missed this performance, Pizzarelli and his trio are slated to return this fall with the Jazz at the Sheraton series.
E-mail: rcline@desnews.com