BUCKY PIZZARELLI, JOHN PIZZARELLI, Sheraton City Center, Monday

There are two words that neatly sum up Monday night's JazzSLC concert featuring John and Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar heaven.

In fact, one audience member went so far as to comment, "If I die tonight, I've lived long enough."

Of course, the concert — which featured just the two playing as a duo — was all about classic jazz guitar, and the crowd seemed to fill the room to capacity, composed mostly of guitar aficionados. Not only is that logical but also appropriate, since the concert didn't have much else to offer. Anyone who didn't like guitar-playing would have been out of luck — mostly, anyway.

Regardless of the instruments used, it's clear that Bucky Pizzarelli is a seasoned, fantastic musician.

He comes across as somebody comfortable in his own skin, with a natural sense for music coupled with solid chops. He always chose what was right musically, without feeling the need to strut his technical prowess like an insecure teenager.

John Pizzarelli was the perfect complement, and the two had a very good, very natural rapport as they played together.

John Pizzarelli is his father's equal musically, although he is less seasoned. He also added some interest to the evening by occasionally singing with the guitar accompaniment on such tunes as "Paper Moon."

Whereas his father mostly just played the music, John more fully entertained the crowd. With the wit of a stand-up comedian, he kept the audience laughing between numbers with funny stories and anecdotes.

They were at their best when they had some back-and-forth going, as with their take on "Honeysuckle Rose." Since they were both playing seven-string guitars, the combined sound could be quite dense, with a very thick texture.

They didn't necessarily always go for that sound, though. Sometimes they'd do melodic duets or even harmonics.

---

E-mail: rcline@desnews.com