October 10, 2019
TOM NETHERLAND | SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER
March 17 marked the 100th birthday of silken-voiced Nat King Cole. Alas, he died of cancer at age 45.
World-renowned guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli heralds the 100th birthday of Mr. Unforgettable on Friday at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tennessee. In offering “For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole,” the John Pizzarelli Trio spotlight a titan of American pop and jazz music.
Cole created music to fall in love to. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Cole alighted on the national scene in the early 1940s. Hits including 1946’s “The Christmas Song,” 1950’s “Mona Lisa” and 1951’s “Unforgettable” earmarked a timeless style. Pizzarelli recalls the aforementioned tunes according to Cole’s configuration of a trio. Space exists between the notes. As a result, Cole’s songs as rendered by Pizzarelli breathe well, reach out, and touch your heart.