Tony Bennett - A Swingin' Christmas
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Free Music Notes for A Swingin' Christmas
Free Music Review: A Warm, Velvety Holiday Classic From the Consummate Singer of Songs
Hit: 5 Stars
Tony Bennett and Phil Ramone have already proven an unstoppable combination in the studio, capable of conjuring musical magic with stunningly soul-searching, endlessly listenable appeal. With this superbly chosen set of 11 yuletide tunes and the impeccable musicianship of the Count Basie Orchestra to back them up they inevitably succeed again.
What makes Bennett different from the younger crop of singers in contemporary music, however, is his dedication to perfection. Things cannot simply make the grade - they must be perfect. This high standard shows itself here on "A Swingin' Christmas."
Every note is perfectly nuanced, every syllable sung with thoughtfulness and emotional transparency. He has surrounded himself with the crème de la crème of musicians and tunes of utmost quality to produce a recording destined to be a yearly hit for generations to come. When comparing the quality and - most importantly - sincerity of his singing to that others releasing seasonal discs, there really is no comparison.
The Alan and Marilyn Bergman-penned "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is not a cover of the Mariah Carey original, but a rich, velvety warm ballad on celebrating the season with the love of your life. Those seeking a wedding song for holiday nuptials need absolutely look no further than this remarkable recording. Bennett's delivery tugs at the heartstrings without being emotionally manipulative. It is an absolute destined classic, and consummately romantic.
The rousing "My Favorite Things" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music," an anthem to finding happiness in parts of life often taken for granted, becomes a bona fide anthem in Bennett's 82-year-old hands. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" are equally festive. Bennett sounds thoroughly invested, like he is having the time of his life, and this energy transfers to the listener.
His takes on Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Christmas Time Is Here," which originated in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," are understated and elegant. His voice also blends beautifully with his daughter Antonia's on their gorgeous, touching rendition of "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" - she really has a sweet set of pipes.
Bennett puts his own particular stamp on the melodious "The Christmas Waltz" before leading into the disc's crystalline conclusion of "O Christmas Tree," which alone makes this album worthy of note. Using a stark piano/vocal arrangement, Bennett reminds listeners here why he is the king of the throne of the easy listening/American songbook genre. The descriptive "heartfelt" is tossed around idly, but he truly nails it here. To listen to his delivery is to bask in the glow of the very essence of what the songwriters intended. If anything, he is able to use his 82 years to his advantage, and it makes for one heck of a recording.
"A Swingin' Christmas" is sure to find its way into many holiday celebrations for many years to come. Neatly unfolding in a swift 38 minutes, its sole problem is its brevity. We are very lucky to have Bennett bringing audiences to their feet with excellent concerts, but that he can still deliver that same top-notch quality in the recording studio is proven here.
For a fun, upbeat, gorgeously delivered set of holiday tunes, "A Swingin' Christmas" is the place to be.
Free Music Review: "Merry Christmas. . .May Your New Year Dreams Come True"
Hit: 5 Stars
Tony Bennett's "A Swingin' Christmas" and Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album are two of the most remarkable and my top favorite Christmas albums that totally impressed my ears for the many beautiful things they are made of. This is truly a winning Christmas album that I merrily recommend to be a part of your Christmas celebrations. Likewise, it is a perfect stocking stuffer.
With this Christmas album, Tony Bennett presents notable Christmas carols recorded in the most charming settings starting off with the swingiest version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Its engaging Big Band chart arrangement is such a delight to listen to and it sets the tone to the rest of the tracks with Big Band arrangements such as "Silver Bells," "Winter Wonderland," "My Favorite Things," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" which features Andy Snitzer playing tenor sax solo, and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," an attractive duet with his daughter, Antonia Bennett, whose charming vocal style is something Mr. Bennett should be proud of.
The beauty and charms of this Christmas offering is magnified by the backing of some of the finest musicians in the music world. A big thanks to Monty Alexander and Lee Musiker who will dazzle you with their extraordinary talents in piano. There's Toots Thielemans to beguile you with his exceptional ability in playing his harmonica flawlessly in "All I Want For Christmas Is You." There's Gray Sargent to delight you with his great guitar artistry. There's Paul Longosch to enthrall you with his ingenuity in bass playing. There's Harold Jones to stun you with his incredible flair in drums. There's the 13-piece Count Basie Orchestra to astound you with its Big Band style. And not to mention some of the greatest arrangers whose works are top-notch, masterful and astonishing, Bill Holman, Torrie Zito, Frank Foster and Lee Musiker.
Aside from the Big-Band-arranged-tracks, I also love Tony Bennett's wonderful take on one of my seasonal favorites, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" executed in a beautiful fashion that makes it one of the best versions ever recorded.
In closing, here's a verse from my topmost choice here, "A Christmas Waltz," a Christmas gem from the pens of two brilliant songwriters from Tin Pan Alley, lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne.
"Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too"
Free Music Review: It's Tony...what's not to like?
Hit: 5 Stars
This just may be the perfect CD to pop in during the holiday season when half of your family is still arguing about the Presidential election and you can feel those tensions rising.
Because, as we know...not everyone likes creamed onions or mashed rutabagas on the holiday dinner table, but *everyone* loves Tony Bennett!
This is just a lovely Christmas CD that will appeal to everyone who will be celebrating the holidays with you.
It rocks, it swings in that Basie way, and I'm quite sure you'll be pulling this one out well after the holidays are over.
Enjoy it!
Free Music Review: Tony's Wonderfully Jazzy Christmas!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful collection of songs that will really brighten your holiday!
Tony is in EXCELLENT voice! Please dont listen to the naysayers who say differently!
One review says that he clips his notes and speaks phrases and "improvs" Well,THAT"S JAZZ! Mr Bennett is singing with the Count Basie Band for goodness sake! Basie gives Tony's singing a very jazz inspired feel that is a different to his more Pop style crooning on other CDs. This album is a testament to the gentleman's versatility, and will be appreciated by those who love Jazz and straight Pop. Buy it and you will enjoy it!
Free Music Review: A Swinging Grandmother!
Hit: 5 Stars
I am an Avid fan of Tony Bennett. Actually have seen him in concert
every year for the past five. This is really a great Christmas
album. Have purchased many of other artists Christmas CD's and
am always disappointed. This is just a great CD and the background
music is fantastic. There is also a duet with his daughter Antonia
who is featured with her Father in his concert appearances. A must have!