Tony Bennett - The Classic Collection (13CD)
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Tony BennettEdition: Music CD
Format: Box set, Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2007-02-06
Music Label: Sony
Free Music Notes for The Classic Collection (13CD)
Free Music Review: Dubious value for the cost
Hit: 3 Stars
I had some of these cd's already, but I purchased this because I found it for eighty percent less than the price here, and I like Tony and box sets.
Unlike some reviewers here, I get what they were going for with this set. First, elegance - hence the black velour outside and blue satin inside. Second, I think Tony selected the albums based on what he considered milestones or turning points in his career. I'm basing that on his own comments in his autobiography. For instance, Cloud 7 showed he could do more than pop hits, Art of Excellence marked his comeback, Unplugged showed acceptance with younger listeners, etc.
As for the packaging, it looks nice, but it's badly assembled with sticky velour tape that started coming loose right away. The book is fine - brief comments by Tony about the albums, and pencil sketches. A better way to go would have been something like the Ella Songbook set - a small box with "mini lp's" in paper sleeves with the original art.
The music is a mix. The earlier releases are magnificent, of course. In my opinion, the Bill Evans cd is sort of an aquired taste. Maybe one of Tony's Improv albums would have been a better representation of his non-Columbia work. "Perfectly Frank" is okay, but I think "Bennett/Berlin" found him in better voice, but still had the trio sound. "Unplugged" isn't really that great for a live set - the Carnegie Hall concert would have been a better choice. Finally, the "Singles" cd is totally superfluous. Most of the songs are available on several other greatest hits cds, and many are on other cds in this box anyway. The mastering is excellent as far as my ear can tell. I did notice that the duet with Ray Charles on Excellence is an alternate take - not better, just different.
The bottom line is, unless you can get a great deal on this set or you're just a completist, you're much better off with the "Fifty Years" set which has the cream from all these albums, and much more (well over 100 songs), in a friendlier package.
The Classic Collection (13CD) Poster
For the ultimate Tony Bennett fan. See details below:Cloud 7--With new artwork. This version only available in box set.
The Beat of My Heart--Remastered, with new artwork. This version only available in box set.
Tony Sings for Two--Remastered from original tapes with five previously unreleased bonus tracks. This version only available in box set.
I left My Heart in San Francisco--Remastered featuring new artwork.
I Wanna Be Around--Remastered with new artwork and three previously unreleased bonus tracks. This version only available in this box set.
When Lights Are Low--Remastered from the original tapes with three previously unreleased bonus tracks and exclusively available for the first time on CD only in this box set.
If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set--Remastered, with new artwork. This version only available in this box set.
The Movie Song Album--Remastered with new artwork and two previously unreleased bonus tracks. This version only available in box set.
Tony Bennett & Bill Evans--The exquisite 1975 collaboration between two tremendous musicians.
The Art of Excellence--Remastered with new artwork and one previously unreleased bonus tracks. This version only available in this box set.
Perfectly Frank--Remastered featuring new artwork.
MTV Unplugged--Remastered with two previously unreleased bonus tracks featuring new artwork.
Also included: The Singles Collection--Exclusive to this box set.
See track lists for the albums included in this collection.
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