Friday evening I attended a performance of the Palm Beach Pops under the direction of Bob Lappin. The show featured the music of George and Ira Gershwin and the guest artists were guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pictured above, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and vocalist Lillias White.
Bob Lappin is a gifted pianist, recording artist, businessman, and conductor, and is among the most innovative and creative talents on today's concert stage. He earned his music degree from Ithaca College, then signed with Music Corporation of America and toured throughout North America with his trio and orchestra. Moving to Palm Beach in 1982, he was determined to build a world-class pops orchestra. Their debut concert was in 1992 and launched what has become one of the finest orchestras in the country.
Lillias White has been recognized on Broadway with the Tony Award and People's Choice Award for her role as Sonja in "The Life." She was also toured nationally with Dreamgirls and South Pacific.
Ken Peplowski is one of the few clarinetists to fill the void of Benny Goodman. Ken is not only an outstanding clarinetist and saxophone player, but also a charismatic entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years with his warmth, wit and musicianship. He had the audience laughing by saying Bucky's real name was Bucky Pizzawitz and that the last record he released was a 78 rpm.
Bucky Pizzarell, 86, is a self-taught jazz guitarist whose career has spanned six decades. His mastery of the 7 string guitar is unrivalled. Bucky has recorded and toured with several jazz bands and vocalists throughout the years including Les Paul and Benny Goodman. He can be heard on Paul McCartney's latest album released last month.
