Better call some contractors quick: They need to enlarge the stage at Madison’s Shanghai Jazz in a hurry.
Two jazz giants, John Pizzarelli and Grover Kemble, are joining forces there on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to reprise the magic of their early days together.
That’s John Pizzarelli, the singer/songwriter/guitarist with dozens of critically acclaimed albums, the son of guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, and the guy whose Foxwoods Casino jingle The Wonder of It All loops endlessly in our collective consciousness.
Grover Kemble, is a founding member of the beloved jive band Za Zu Zaz, the star of this summer’s inaugural Morristown Jazz Festival, and mentor to aspiring performers on the local music scene.
They met at Nobody’s Inn in Mahwah about 30 years ago. Grover had just split from Za Zu Zaz.
“People were talking about Grover Kemble like he was the second coming of God,” John recalls. “I was sort of in awe of him.”
John admired Grover’s confidence, his vibe, the way he went about his business.
“When he got on stage,” John said, “he changed the whole molecular structure of the room.”
Pretty soon they were ensconced at Ryan’s, on George Street in New Brunswick.
“I would say we owned the joint,” Grover says. “On Wednesday we did a duo, Thursday his band, Friday my band, then Saturday OUR band. We made our humble living there. He subbed for me and I subbed for him for all our solo gigs….man those were good times, tons of great music and more important—LAUGHS!”
Grover says he knew right away that John was destined for bigger things, if he avoided the usual show biz pitfalls.
“Lots of ‘stuff’ can come along and knock you out or at least off-track. But he’s a tireless worker with a ton of talent and his family is very close, with that great work ethic and incredible talent. He stays away from the nonsense in the business–except for playing with me–and keeps his talented head to the grindstone,” Grover says.
John’s passion for music impressed Grover in those early days.
“The guy knows every song ever written,” Grover says. “He can play them in any oddball key. He knows the writers, the often complicated opening verses, and all the history and funny stories about the songs. He’s a walking, talking, singing, swinging encyclopedia of The Great American Songbook.
“Oh, did I mention his great chord work/soloing, arranging, and hilarious delivery with an audience? Shoot, I’m just a ham-and-egg gigster that knows a few old Tin Pan Alley tunes. This guy’s the Real McCoy. I mean that! I’m 13 years older than him. I think he liked my wiseguy, devil-may-care approach, and so our Mutt and Jeff thing, with some good music, was very entertaining and just plain fun.”
The admiration flows both ways, all these years later. John invited Grover onstage with him at Carnegie Hall, a memory Grover treasures. John also has recorded Grover’s song Follow, among others.
“He’s one of my heroes, really,” John says. “I really love this guy. I love his musicality, the songs he’s written, and his dedication to the music. Of all the musicians I’ve worked with, he’s in the top three or four who’ve influenced me. He was on my Live at Birdland CD, and people still ask, ‘Who was that guy?'”
John’s rapport with audiences is legendary. He learned some things about that by watching Grover.
“He doesn’t let you listen halfway,” John says. “It’s: Come on folks, here we go!”
Both men are masters at reinterpreting other artists. John has recorded tributes to Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and his idol, Nat King Cole. Grover has put his own spin on everyone from Fats Waller to the Byrds.
After they tear up Shanghai Jazz on Tuesday, John returns to the studio for a new album and prepares for a tour of China and his annual gig at New York’s Café Carlisle with his wife, singer Jessica Molaskey.
And what about Grover? After reuniting this year with Za Zu Zaz and John Pizzarelli, who’s next on his reunion list–Ringo and Sir Paul?
“Actually, Paul and Ringo asked me to play with them but I had to decline. What with weeknight Bingo at all the senior citizens homes, fishing, glee club, wine-tasting, TV-watching, etc., who’s got time to play with those ol’ guys? Besides I never could get the chords right to Twist and Shout,” deadpans Grover, newly retired as recreation director at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, where he used music to help patients.
“Seriously though, it has been a fun year of hooking up with old buddies and band mates from years gone by. Of course we’re all lucky to still be out and about and I feel blessed to actually be asked to still play…really. What’s next? As you know, I like working with young people, helping them realize their potential and getting their acts together. I’ve had a great run and now helping and seeing young musicians develop is very rewarding to me. So I’ll take these reunion-type things if they come along, try and stay active, and help the kids coming up.”
The John Pizzarelli Trio featuring Grover Kemble, Tuesday, Sept. 27, celebrating the 16th anniversary of Shanghai Jazz, 24 Main St., Madison, NJ 07940. Seatings 6:15 and 8:15. Prix fixe dinner (Trio of appetizers, choice of Entree, Dessert Sampler) and John Pizzarelli Show, $69 per person. Drinks, tax and gratuity not included. All seats by reservation only. Call 973-822-2899.
Grover Kemble at Za Zu Zaz reunion this year:
John Pizzarelli and his trio:
Great piece of local musical history