Buffalo Embraces John Pizzarelli and the Great American Songbook at Jazz at Kleinhans

John Pizzarelli Trio’s Dear Mr. Bennett delivers a heartfelt tribute to Tony Bennett in an afternoon of exceptional artistry.

There are afternoons when everything seems to come together just as it should—and the John Pizzarelli Trio’s Dear Mr. Bennett performance at Kleinhans Music Hall was one of those moments.

From the very first notes, it was clear this would be more than a tribute. It was a deeply felt, thoughtfully crafted celebration of Tony Bennett—one that honored not only the songs, but the spirit and legacy of an artist who helped define the Great American Songbook for generations. John Pizzarelli brought both reverence and joy to the stage, weaving stories, warmth, and his now-familiar affection for Buffalo into the performance. There’s a genuine connection there—one that the audience clearly feels and returns in kind.

For me, one of the most memorable parts of the afternoon came with selections from the Bill Evans and Tony Bennett collaboration. There was something especially meaningful about hearing “Some Other Time” in this setting—knowing its historical connection to Buffalo gave the moment an added resonance. It was reflective, intimate, and beautifully rendered—a pause in the program that invited everyone into a shared sense of place and memory.

The trio itself was exceptional. Mike Karn anchored the music with a steady, elegant presence on bass—subtle, supportive, and always musical. And Isaiah J. Thompson brought a dynamic and expressive voice to the piano, at times playful, at times deeply lyrical, always engaging. Together, they created a musical conversation that felt alive in the room—responsive, swinging, and full of nuance.

And the audience responded in kind. After each song, there was a genuine, enthusiastic appreciation—applause that wasn’t just polite, but heartfelt. It built throughout the afternoon, culminating in a couple of well-deserved standing ovations that spoke to how much the performance had connected.

This was, in every sense, a shining moment for Jazz at Kleinhans. Not just because of the artistry on stage, but because of what it represents—an audience gathered, engaged, and invested in something meaningful. A shared experience rooted in great music, tradition, and connection.

This is what we are building—together.

Be sure to enjoy the wonderful collection of comments from our community and the photo gallery captured by JazzBuffalo contributor and photographer extraordinaire, Jack Zuff.

Thank you for your comments, and keep them coming:

He really flew us to the moon….and left us there

Thank you!!!!

A great concert! Other than being an awesome musician, Pizzarelli is hilarious, too. His future son-in-law is from Buffalo. Maybe he’ll play here more often.

What an incredible concert by fantastic musicians!

The concert was fantastic!

We really enjoyed it, Tony. The arrangements were outstanding!

I’m a fan, having found FM91.1 several years ago. Great jazz programming!

I really enjoyed it all! Very talented!

Absolutely a Masterpiece of an Experience

A fantastic concert. Such great artistry!

You’re bringing in some great groups!

Fabulous concert! Thank you, Tony!

Beautiful!

Fabulous !!!

Great show!!