World on a String

A Musical Memoir

By: John Pizzarelli, Joseph Cosgriff

Narrated by: John Pizzarelli, Joseph Cosgriff

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Biography/Memoir, 2014

Behind the scenes in the life of a musician - an exuberant, entertaining memoir from jazz guitarist, singer, and raconteur John Pizzarelli.

John Pizzarelli, the son of jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, is a connoisseur of American song who grew up among the legends of jazz. From teenage explorations of rock music to life on the road with his father, he worked his way from gigs in tiny clubs to opening for Frank Sinatra during his final international tour. Now Pizzarelli performs in festivals and top venues across the United States and the world, and he shares his unique journey in this revealing, charming, and heartwarming memoir.

Includes firsthand stories of famous jazz greats and popular music icons, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Benny Goodman, Joe Pass, James Taylor, and Paul McCartney. Reveals what it was like to grow up among great musicians and storytellers and shares the day-to-day experiences of a touring musician's life.

Absorbing, upbeat, funny, and down to earth, World on a String is an irresistible celebration of music and life that will appeal to John Pizzarelli's large and growing following.

©2012 John Pizzarelli and Joseph Cosgriff. (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A wonderful book .... but possibly a better audiobook

I bought this book, the actual thing with words and paragraphs and stuff. Ok, it was the Kindle version, but it still had words and and paragraphs and stuff. It was over a year ago and to be frank I had trouble getting through the book. I was interested in the story. And I certainly am a fan of the musician writing the story. It was frustrating. And then about 2 weeks ago while picking up the book again, OK my Kindle, and getting through only another few pages it occurred to me to look for this as an audiobook. I did and I found it. This is a book to be listened to. The story really is quite wonderful. If you're interested in jazz, if you're interested in music, if you are specifically interested in John and his dad Bucky, well audio is the way to go. It was a blast. Having been a singer and being near the same circles as John (just near, as in nearby, no where near his success!) it was fun to read about different people I've met, seen perform, and worked in rooms next to the rooms they were working in;), I enjoyed hearing about all the back room goings-on. I think some of the insight into Sinatra's latter years and his relationship with his son, along with the anecdotes about Rosie Clooney were among the best. ... and Bucky's "higher, higher, lower, lower", had me laughing aloud.! This was a wonderful book, Ok wonderful audiobook ... a definite read or listen. Well done, bravo, Mr. Pizzarelli, both your writing and living a life well lived :)

A real Gem!

As a part time musician and fan of the American Songbook I found this to be informative and loads of fun. It's great to hear from someone experiencing greatness and maintaining a humble and humor filled perspective!

Very interesting life.

I enjoyed the book. It was a fun diversion, and being a musician myself, I had a great appreciation for many of the things Pizzarelli went through. Along with the hard times, though, he had some unbelievably amazing experiences with world class musicians and performers. Is it a life to be envied? Certainly in some ways, but the life of a musician on the road is a hard one. I admire his talent and creativity, and his ability to hold his family together through it all. I must say I envy his relationship with his father and the fact that he not only learned his art from his father, but was able to work and perform with him for so long. What a blessing that is.

I thought there were times that he gloried in the name dropping that he was able to do, but on the other hand, what musician would not give most anything for a chance to work with the likes of James Taylor, Paul McCartney, Rosemary Clooney and Frank flipping Sinatra??? Yeh, he worked/works with the big guns, and that was very fun to hear about.

When all is said and done, this book has to be about the kind of musician Pizzarelli is himself. He is totally upper echelon, there is no doubt about that. Don't believe me? Go listen to him on Youtube. You will believe.

Great stories from a master storyteller

I first was introduced to John Pizzarelli (literally) by a mutual friend when we were both in our early 20s. John was playing at a wedding for said friend, and I was just beginning my career as a public school music teacher. Having loved what I heard, and really enjoying John as a person, I watched as he moved from playing small restaurants and clubs to getting a contract with a major label, playing the Rainbow Room, Broadway, the Blue Note, Birdland, etc (and not necessarily in that order). We've gone to see him perform with his father (who features prominently in this book), with a trio, a quartet, the "swing seven", Jane Monheit, Ramsey Lewis - the list goes on. Dozens of performances in dozens of venues over the last 40 years. John is not only a great musician; his storytelling abilities rival his musical abilities, and every show strikes just the right balance. He knows how to leave you wanting more of both. So here is an entire book of John's storytelling, in his own voice - a treasure for anyone who has been to one of his shows. You'll learn a lot about John, about his musical family, and you'll laugh in the process. Can't ask for more than that.