Morristown Site Continues Annual Tradition
For an
octogenarian, guitar icon Bucky Pizzarelli keeps a busy travel
schedule. In recent years, the Bickford Jazz Showcase in
Morristown, NJ has invited him to play there on his birthday, and he
is more than happy to oblige. Being precise about the date is not
always possible though, given the other commitments of the Bickford
Theatre and Bucky's aforementioned touring schedule.
This
year, they will mark his 86th birthday with a concert on Monday
evening, January 30. He's asked Ed Laub, his ace guitar pupil, to
join him onstage for the occasion. Previous celebrations have
filled the 300 seat hall, attached to the landmark Morris Museum, so
early purchase of tickets is advised to avoid disappointment.
Surprisingly, ticket prices have been held to the usual $15 in
advance, but they go to $18 that night... if any seats are still
available!
These
unique weeknight concerts run from 8 to 9:30 PM without an
intermission, so fans get a full performance yet arrive home in time
to prepare for work or school the next day. Tickets are best
purchased by phone in advance by calling the box office at
(973) 971‑3706. Credit cards are accepted. Those unfamiliar
with the hall may request that a "jazz map" be sent.
Bucky
Pizzarelli is a living legend on jazz guitar, only in small part
because he's been playing fretted stringed instruments for seven
decades. Who else can boast being guitarist with Benny Goodman and
Frank Sinatra, yet still be in demand by the top names today? For
years he has been a magnet at New Jersey Jazz Society events, even
as his output of recordings continues at a steady pace. His range
of material spans jazz history, from the blues era through swing to
contemporary numbers. Few active jazz performers have developed the
name recognition and enthusiastic following that Bucky Pizzarelli
has.
Ed Laub
is less well known, but he makes up for it by being versatile. He
supports Bucky by accompanying on rhythm guitar, plays his own
solos, and might even sing a song or two, all in the course of an
evening that, for devoted jazz guitar fans, flies by all too fast.
His is a traditional six string instrument, whereas Bucky's guitar
sports an unusual seventh string, useful for producing strong bass
lines when playing solo.
The
comfortable Bickford Theatre is on the campus of the Morris Museum,
located on Columbia Road/Turnpike (County Road 510) at the corner of
Normandy Heights Road, east of downtown Morristown. It is easily
reached from either Interstate 287 or Route 24. The facility has
ample parking in its lot and deck. The hall is accessible to those
in wheelchairs.
