From the 1930s to the 1950s, American songwriters created an unequaled body of work we call The American Songbook. Many of these tunes have become our “standards,” and they are linked forever to the jazz and pop singers who gave them life.

Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli and top jazz singer Jane Monheit talk with me about what jazz has taken from (and given to) the great American popular song composers, from Irving Berlin to Gershwin and beyond.  Pizzarelli and Monheit sing both separately and in duet to demonstrate why they - as well as the songs they perform - are so well loved and why this great music continues.

Jane Monheit – Jane Monheit grew up in a musical family, studying clarinet and theory while also acting and singing.  At age 17 she began formal vocal training with Peter Eldridge at the Manhattan School of Music.  In 1998, at age 20, she placed second among vocalists in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.  Jane’s debut album remained on the Billboard Jazz chart for over a year and was voted Best Debut Recording.  Her second album, Come Dream with Me, entered the chart at Number One.  The track "Since You've Asked" was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals.  Her album Taking a Chance On Love went straight to the Billboard Top 10 jazz chart.  Check out www.janemonheitmusic.com for more information.

John Pizzarelli – John Pizzarelli has been playing guitar since age 6, following in the path of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli.  John has built his musical career singing standards and late-night ballads – and playing sublime, inventive guitar.  He is among the prime revivalists of the great American songbook, combining true jazz flavor with brilliant musicianship.  In 1993, he had the honor of opening for Frank Sinatra on tour and joining in the celebration of Sinatra’s 80th birthday at Carnegie Hall.  John now tours worldwide, performing classic pop, jazz and swing standards and setting the standard for stylish modern jazz.  Check out www.johnpizzarelli.com for more information.