Search - Tony Bennett :: Bennett & Berlin

And THIS is why we gave this guy a spotlight

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 06/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bennett/Berlin is yet another incredible CD by the great Tony Bennett. Tony pays a wonderful tribute to Irving Berlin on this album; and it couldn't be any better. We get wonderful Irving Berlin songs interpreted so nicely by Tony; and the sound quality is excellent. The artwork is also very well done.



The album starts with Tony Bennett singing "They Say It's Wonderful." The piano arrangement is awesome and together with the other instruments this number shines bright! "They Say It's Wonderful" gets a jazzy arrangement that works well for this ballad and that's terrific. "Isn't This A Lovely Day" showcases Tony Bennett's vocal talents--and wow, how he can sing! The piano again sounds just right and the music that accompanies Tony is very elegant without ever drowning out Tony! "Isn't This A Lovely Day" is a major highlight of this album and I always enjoy hearing this number. Tony's interpretation of "Isn't This A Love Day" is a very strong one indeed.



"Now It Can Be Told" sparkles with finesse and Tony delivers this with panache. "Now It Can Be Told" has a very pretty melody and I think you'll like this number very much. Tony massages those lyrics and he handles this song like a pro. I believe that the jazz rendition of this tune works wonders for making it very special. "When I Lost You" gets the royal treatment from Tony; he sings part of this a cappella and "When I Lost You" is a tender ballad about love and how it isn't always easy. "Cheek To Cheek" gets an uproariously fine arrangement that rocks and swings brightly; Tony and the musicians sing and play this with lots of positive energy. It took a bit for me to become accustomed to "Cheek To Cheek;" but this rendition grew on me and I like it after all!



"Let Yourself Go" has a fantastic arrangement that really jams as Tony sings this to perfection; and listen for "Let's Face The Music And Dance." "Let's Face The Music And Dance" comes from the movie entitled Follow The Fleet and both Irving Berlin and Fred Astaire would have been very proud to hear Tony's version! "Let's Face The Music And Dance" is easily my very favorite number on this album. "Russian Lullaby" gets its strength from that jazzy arrangement; and the CD ends nicely with Tony Bennett performing "White Christmas." "White Christmas" is actually a rather melancholy number--but it's nostalgic as well and, in a sense, very romantic. Tony delivers "White Christmas" with grace and style; and it certainly leaves you wanting more.



Bennett/Berlin is definitely one of Tony Bennett's better albums from his more recent years in show business. I highly recommend this for Tony Bennett fans; and people who like jazz versions of classic pop vocals will appreciate this album, too.

"

Bennett Swings Berlin with Great Jazz Backing

M. Allen Greenbaum | California | 02/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the bright opening notes of trio leader Ralph Sharon's piano to the closing sonorous tenor sax of Dexter Gordon, this is a superb album, rare in its synthesis of popular and jazz styles. Bennett is completely relaxed but swinging here, and totally in command of the Berlin songbook. The excellent backing by the trio, and jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie ("The Song is Ended" and "Russian Lullaby") and Dexter Gordon, ("All of my Life" and "White Christmas"), as well as George Benson ("Cheek to Cheek"), give the singer/entertainer a firm jazz foundation.Bennett sounds wonderful, embracing each lyric in his ebullient everyman style. As usual, he's unaffected and tremendously warm: As familiar and warm as your best friend singing at your wedding--if your best friend could sing like Tony Bennett). He shows his versatility as well, singing a moving a cappella version of "When I Lost You," and sensationally scat-matching George Benson's guitar.Dexter Gordon, and, especially Dizzy, make this a treasure. Listening to the trumpet solo on "The Song is Ended," I wondered who IS this overlooked studio musician with the incredibly beautiful tone, phrasing and sound. Imagine my surprise in discovering that it's jazz and bop legend Dizzy Gillespie.An excellent album, even extraordinary at times, and one you'll enjoy for many years. Bennett makes it all sound so easy that you may find yourself singing along with him: There is, of course, no comparison, and that may be when you most appreciate this master performer at the top of his game."

Great Swinging Album

vls49 | 08/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say that this is another of my favorite albums.As soon as it starts, you will begin to snap your fingers to "They Say It's Wonderful".The Ralph Sharon Trio just cooks the whole album and is joined by Dizzy Gillespie,George Benson & Dexter Gordon.What more can anyone ask for.Dizzy is on two tunes, Dexter is on two & George is on one."When I Lost You" is sung without accompaniment by Tony.Check it out.(VLS)"