All of Me
by Scott YanowThis CD is a middle-of-the-road showcase for the pleasant but somewhat limited vocals of John Pizzarelli. Dick Lieb's big band and string arrangements occasionally border on Muzak and are extremely predictable. The tunes (most from the swing era) are superior, but Pizzarelli's treatments pale next to the originals (particularly Nat King Cole), and very little is heard from the leader's guitar. John Pizzarelli would improve as a singer within the next few years so; despite his charm, this project is dispensable.