Tony Bennett - Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1
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Free Music Notes for Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1
Free Music Review: A sterling new compilation of previously recorded tunes spanning the entire career of this legendary performer.
Hit: 5 Stars
At first glance one might question whether or not we really need another album of tunes derived from "The Great American Songbook". After all, if you have found yourself listening to recent albums by the likes of Rod Stewart then you just might wonder what all the fuss was about in the first place. But happily what we have here is the real deal folks. Columbia Records proudly presents this captivating new CD "Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook: Vol 1". This disc features 15 of the most beloved songs in the history of American popular music. The tunes are familiar and most people will even know the lyrics to many of the songs. What a refreshing idea!
As I indicated earlier, the tunes that have been included in "Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook" were culled from a number of Tony's LP's spanning the past four decades. For the most part what you hear is Tony Bennett in his prime and at the top of his game. You will certainly enjoy Tony's touching renditions of all-time favorites like "I'll Be Seeing You", "The Way You Look Tonight" and "Taking A Chance On Love". Likewise, Tony's swinging take on the venerable Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer tune "That Old Black Magic" backed by Dave Brubeck on piano and Paul Desmond on alto sax is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention Tony's outstanding 1964 recording of "It Had To Be You", a tune that was featured in the RKO motion picture "Show Business". I was also impressed by a couple of numbers that I was previously unfamiliar with including "She's Funny That Way" and "You'll Never Get Away From Me" from the Broadway musical "Gypsy". I am very pleased to report that there was not one weak track on this disc. I only wish that there were 25 tunes instead of the mere 15 that were offered on this one.
Now I am usually not very big on repackaged collections. And I do agree with some other reviewers who are extremely annoyed with the record company for putting a fairly recent photo of Tony Bennett on the cover of this disc. It would appear that this is a newly recorded album of standards. But for me at the end of the day it really doesn't matter. Tony Bennett is clearly one of the outstanding vocalists in the history of American popular music. He does justice to each and every one of the tunes included on this disc. "Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook: Vol. 1" would be an outstanding gift idea for people of all ages. This collection would bring back warm memories for older folks and also serve as a marvelous introduction to younger people of the best that American popular music has to offer. Highly recommended!
Free Music Review: Wonderful...But Even Tony Bennett Should Respect A Classic Lyric
Hit: 5 Stars
All-right, I'm a curmudgeon! But classic American popular music such as this should be respected. And while this is Tony Bennett clearly on top of his game, I cringe when ANYBODY changes the lyric of a classic song for...what?...relevancy...bringing a song up to date...hipness (is there such a word?). All is to say, I agree with Mr. Bennett when on the album notes he states that these songs are part of a golden renaissance in American popular music...which, of course, raises the question, if this is so, then why are you screwing around with the lyrics? On the classic Fats Waller song, "Ain't Misbehavin'", the original lyrics are, "Don't stay out late, don't care to go, I'm home about eight, just me and my radio"...and that's what I want to hear EVERY TIME I hear the song! One shouldn't mess with perfection! Yet, Mr. Bennett sings, "...I'm home about eight, just me and the Late, Late Show..." WHAT? This is an improvement on perfection? If this is permissible to do, can we expect Britney Spears to do her version and sing, "...I'm home about eight, just me and my Ipod on low..." I mean, why would Mr. Bennett, a classic artist who reveres the geniuses of the past - even on this CD his comments regarding Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Hank Williams are clearly heartfelt - feel the need to sacrilegiously "improve" upon the superb lyrics of this song? Sorry, I just don't get it. At the same time, Mr. Bennett's reading of "The Very Thought Of You" is absolutely impeccable - and this alone is worth the price of the whole collection...even for other curmudgeons! I Ain't Misbehavin'...just expressing my point of view!Free Music Review: It's not "new" but, so what?
Hit: 5 Stars
I thought that this was a newly recorded CD at first, also. After a listen, I don't care that this is comprised of previous issued recordings. The song selection is perfect, the audio is outstanding and I am fully satisfied with the entire package. Even my Mom loves it (and we don't agree on too many things)! For those reviewers who gave this CD only one star, shame on you! I, too, have a problem with the greedy record companies doing things like this to make a few bucks off of us consumers, but this is a rare exception.
Pick it up and I think you'll be impressed and, like me, will play it over and over.
Free Music Review: TONY DUETS WITH ALVIN!
Hit: 5 Stars
The track 14 You'll Never Get Away From Me sample reveals Tony's collaboration with Alvin. This results in a unique experience since I believe this is his first attempt at a standard from the Great American Song Book. Needless to say, Alvin's voice is as unique as Bennett's and what's more, Alvin isn't afraid to push the tempo. The resulting interpretation is truly a revelation. Can we expect a full album from Alvin of timeless classics anytime soon?Free Music Review: Tony Bennett is ageless and timeless!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic CD!. The current crop of so-called singers should be required to sit in a locked room for 24 hours and listen to this CD and anything else recorded by this American treasure. They will receive invaluable lessons on the following vocal basics: how to interpret a lyric; how to enunciate words properly; how to breathe; how to sing with passion. BUY THIS CD. It is money well spent.