CLAYTON, N.C – One of the great jazz guitarists and vocalists performing today, John Pizzarelli brings his lively, conversational singing style and inventive guitar playing to The Clayton Center on Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m. It is the fifth performance in the Center’s 2009-2010 Palladian Series.

Part of a renowned musical family – his father is guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli – Pizzarelli’s guitar prowess comes as no surprise. But it is the entire Pizzarelli package – smooth vocals, masterful instrumentals and his easy, witty banter with his audience – that shapes his performances.

Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career. Internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads, and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings, he has recently established himself as the consummate entertainer and radio program host with the launch of Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli, a nationally syndicated radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey.

Pizzarelli, who has been compared to Nat “King” Cole, is among the prime contemporary interpreters of the great American songbook, bringing his signature style to the songs and reinventing the classics with accents of swing and pop. He has recorded more than 20 albums since his first release in 1990, including 2008’s With a Song in My Heart, a tribute to composer Richard Rogers, and 2007’s collaboration with his father, Generations. Pizzarelli recently was honored with the 2009 Ella Fitzgerald Award for his extraordinary contributions to the evolution of jazz.

Singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli, a master in the art of reinventing jazz classics, celebrates the music of Duke Ellington in his Friday, March 26, performance at The Clayton Center.

Pizzarelli and his band members will perform selections from his latest CD, Rockin’ in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington, along with classic standards from the great American songbook.

Combining the enduring work of Ellington with Pizzarelli’s own musical achievements, Rockin’ in Rhythm features new arrangements of “In a Mellow Tone,” “East St. Louis Toodle-oo/Don't Get Around Much Anymore,” “C Jam Blues,” “I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good,” and “Cottontail/ Rockin' in Rhythm,” among others.

All About Jazz said, “Mainstream jazz is a demanding mistress, and Pizzarelli manages her with grace and wit. This recording is an accomplishment of the most rarefied order.”

Considered one of the great jazz guitarists and vocalists performing today, Pizzarelli is always fresh and engaging. His smooth vocals, masterful instrumentals and easy, winning way with people, make him an audience favorite.

In addition to being a bandleader, radio personality and solo performer, Pizzarelli has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as James Taylor, Natalie Cole, Tom Wopat, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Von Ronk, as well as leading jazz artists like Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, Johnny Frigo, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and, of course, Bucky Pizzarelli. He has performed numerous times on the country's most popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Live With Regis & Kelly, The Tony Danza Show, The CBS Early Show, Fox News Channel and Jerry Lewis's Labor Day Telethon.

Tickets for the John Pizzarelli performance are $25 plus service fees and are available through The Clayton Center Box Office, located at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, or by calling 553-1737, ext. 2. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. until noon and 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets also can be purchased online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

The 2009-2010 Palladian Series culminates with an April 10 performance by Mike Farris and The Roseland Rhythm Revue.

Other popular artists presented in past seasons at The Clayton Center include Kathy Mattea, Johnny Winter, Jesse Cook, Jim Brickman, Doc Watson, Eileen Ivers, Riders In the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir and David Sedaris.