February 17, 2004 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli who has already captivated National Arts Centre Orchestra Pops audiences with his interpretations of classic standards and his sublime and inventive jazz guitar virtuosity, returns to the NAC Orchestra with an all-new show that pays tribute to the Beatles as well as jazz standards by some of the greats who influenced the Fab Four. These CJOH Pops concerts take place from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28 in the NAC’s Southam Hall at 20:00. John is joined by the John Pizzarelli Trio – Ray Kennedy on piano, Martin Pizzarelli on bass and Tony Tedesco on drums – with the NAC Orchestra led by Rudi Schlegel.

John Pizzarelli has cultivated a winning career using legends like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra as his touchstones, and adding the cool jazz flavour of his brilliant guitar playing.  He has been playing guitar since he was six, following in the tradition of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. John has a number of hit CDs to his name including John Pizzarelli Meets the Beatles from which some of the material for these concerts is taken.

To quote from the CD: “The Beatle's songs are filled with rewarding contradictions. They are simple mysteries; glib, economical; metaphorical, literal; severe, playful; inexplicable, comprehensible; intimate, cavernous; spiritual; devious, candid; gentle, wicked; innocent, omniscient.” This brilliant, witty, ground-breaking music has taken its place among the most popular of the  20^th century. Jazzman John Pizzarelli, now assumes “the role of translator of the Beatles’ miraculous outpouring for the current generation.” – WKEW

Beatles hits include “I've Just Seen A Face”, “Here Comes The Sun”, “Honey Pie”, “Eleanor Rigby”, “And I Love Her”,  “Oh Darling”, “Long And Winding Road”, and “Can’t Buy Me Love”. The opening half includes a Nat King Cole medley, plus “’S Wonderful”, “Love Is Here to Stay” and “Route 66”.

While in Ottawa John Pizzarelli and the NAC Orchestra will also present a version of this show in student matinees for high schools at the NAC on Wednesday and Thursday.

The National Arts Centre Orchestra will present “John Pizzarelli Meets the Beatles” from February 26 to 28 at 20:00 in Southam Hall. Tickets for these CJOH Pops Series concerts are on sale now at $34.50, $48.50, $50.00, $59.00 and $61.00, with box seats at $86.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111.  Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC’s web-site at www.nac-cna.ca.  Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card.

For more information please contact:
Jane Morris, Communications Officer,
National Arts Centre Orchestra
(613) 947-7000, ext. 335
jmorris@nac-cna.ca