Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli leads a strong quintet through this intimate live set at Makor, a Manhattan night spot. The seven-string guitarist is always game for anything, and with a superb group -- including nearly everyone's first-call bassist, Michael Moore, clarinetist Allan Vaché, vibraphonist Peter Appleyard (who previously worked with Benny Goodman, as did Michael Moore and the leader), and drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie -- the veteran leads his group through seven favorites from the swing era. The set sounds very relaxed and informal, as if the musicians were playing for their own fun and had no idea tapes were rolling. A snappy take of "Perdido" and an extended workout of "Limehouse Blues" are but two of the memorable tracks recorded that evening.

One of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time, Bucky Pizzarelli has been building a loyal fan base for more than 50 years. On this DVD, recorded in a relaxed studio setting on an April afternoon in New York City, he pays fond tribute to 14 of his favorite tunes. Frank Vignola joins Bucky, one of his earliest influences, on affectionate interpretations of "Tangerine", "Honeysuckle Rose", "Moonlight Serenade" and other timeless melodies. Tracks: 1. In a Mellow Tone 2. Limehouse Blues 3. Smoke Rings 4. Tangerine 5. Stars in Your Eyes / Nuages 6. Pacifica 7. If I Had You 8. Please 9. Stompin' at the Savoy 10. This Nearly Was Mine 11. It's Been a Long, Long Time / Don't Take Your Love From Me 12. Honeysuckle Rose 13. Three Little Words 14. Moonlight Serenade

Commemorating the centennial of Mercer's birth, this documentary is part biography, part archive, and part recontextualization, taking Mercer's tunes and putting them in the hands of modern singers like Jamie Cullum and Dr. John to show they are still relevant today. Host Clint Eastwood also interviews artists who collaborated with Mercer or performed his songs, including composer John Williams, Blake Edwards, Andre Previn, Tony Bennett, and Julie Andrews. (DVD Talk)

When heaven turns out to be an over-booked hotel, Ted must face the cranky desk clerk who stands between him and a peaceful eternity...or at least one with room service.