k.d. lang, Tony Bennett - A Wonderful World
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Free Music Notes for A Wonderful World
Free Music Review: The Music Stays With Us
Hit: 5 Stars
"A Wonderful World,"(2002), a collection of duets by Tony Bennett and K.D. Lang, to songs inspired by the legendary New Orleans trumpeter Louis Armstrong, included "What a Wonderful World," "Exactly Like You," and "You Can Depend on Me." It was produced by the near-legendary T Bone Burnett, and includes trumpet work by Scott Hamilton. Of course, in 2002, the New York-born crooner was 76 years old; and his voice was not what it once was: but still, the embers of it, with its liquidity, smoothness, intonation and phrasing are enough to cast his light upon the world. Critic Howard Garwood wrote of him, "He has the face you'd want on your neighborhood bar owner - seamed, rumpled, and infinitely kind.... It's the face of a man who has seen life and triumphed, and who proclaims his joy of living through one of the best sets of pipes in the business."
And as for K.D. Lang's voice, 2002 found it still in top form. It's a thing of unearthly, silken beauty, a voice that comes along only once in a generation: in her case, from Alberta, Canada. I remember seeing her once on late night television, early in her career, wearing the silliest cowgirl outfit and hopping up and down, and wishing I could tell her that with her voice, she didn't need to hop, she could leave that to Herman's Hermits. Of course, I couldn't, but she seems to have figured it out, anyway.
The title song, as done by this pair, boasts all the colors of the rainbow. And some of the quieter ballads are still waters running deep, indeed. Just listen, to say, "La Vie En Rose," or "If We Never Meet Again."
I am lucky enough to have seen this pair present this repertory in person, at New York's Radio City Music Hall, in the most striking of circumstances, to wit: late September, 2001, about two weeks after the 9/11 destruction of the World Trade Center, and so much of downtown Manhattan. I already had my ticket, and anxiously watched the paper to see if they would keep the date: they did, and so did I. So did most of the ticket holders, I believe: there were empty seats, but not that many. Took ages to get through security, of course. You can believe that emotions ran high in that theater, on stage and in the audience: you could describe it as a love-in. And as for the music that came from that stage - it was simply blessed, and unforgettable. Lucky for all of us, the music, so evanescent in live performance, stays with us on this cd.
Free Music Review: "Pops" Would Have Been Proud of this One!
Hit: 5 Stars
I got to admit for the last decade or so I've been a huge, Tony Bennett fan. I've basically tried to get my hands (and ears) around most of his CDs, DVDs and videos.Hey, I even got to meet and shake hands with the man, when he went on a publicity tour to promote his autobiography! But I had some trepidation, when he released this Louis Armstrong tribute CD, "A Wonderful World" with singer, K.D. Lang. I guess it was because I just wasn't that big of a K.D. fan. The reason for that was I always had the sinking feeling she was making fun or not taking too seriously, the musical genres she appropriated (especially when she did country music).Well, after listening to this duo recording, I was pleasently surprised to find, that I had nothing to worry about.There isn't a hint of irony around.Although K.D. Lang might not quite fit the traditional image, she seems to have the makings (and a sublime voice)of a great, classic pop singer. As a duo, Tony & K.D. seem to go together quite well. His aged, yet quite vital voice, just seems right next to hers. The material of the album is well chosened and handled quite nicely. Highlights include the opener, "Exactly Like You", "La Vie EN Rose', "A Kiss to Build A Dream on", and the classic Armstrong ode to this planet, "A Wonderful World". I love it, when towards the end of "Wonderful World", you hear Tony say "don't you think Satchmo was right". Then K.D. comes right in on cue and softly completes the last line of the song.It gives me goose bumps everytime I think about it! This CD truely is a welcomed addition to the Bennett cannon of recordings.I highly recommend it!Free Music Review: A Perfect Blend of Great Voices
Hit: 5 Stars
This Louis Armstrong tribute album is absolutely a winner! This won the 2004 Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. It includes some of the finest songs ever recorded from "Exactly Like You" and "I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)" to "What A Wonderful World" and "A Kiss To Build A Dream On." Likewise, this sublime album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, dazzling piano/arrangements by Lee Musiker, superb vocal arrangements by Rob Mathes, with the backing of Paul Langosch on bass, Clayton Cameron on drums, Gray Sargent on guitar and a special appearance of Scott Hamilton on tenor sax.
Listen to my all-time favorite "La Vie En Rose" and you'll agree with me that this is the very highlight of this wonderful CD. Its arrangement has a Bossa Nova touch that makes it so delightful to one's ears. You could listen to it endlessly without ever tiring. I did! Tony Bennett's voice is fabulous as ever and k.d. lang's voice is simply superb. I would say a cross between Diana Krall and Julie London. This duet was nominated for 2004 Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
Also one of the stunning and ear-catching tracks is my favorite "Dream A Little Dream Of Me," a song made popular by the late Mama Cass of The Mamas And The Papas. Listen to its grand guitar solo by Gray Sargent.
"Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leaves all worries behind you
But in your dreams, whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me."
An outstanding recording. My highest recommendation!
Free Music Review: Well, when DO we get an encore ???
Hit: 5 Stars
This album by k.d. lang and Tony Bennett boasts an assortment of twelve magnificent songs inspired by or performed by the late Louis Armstrong. Tony Bennett and k.d. lang are both in excellent form on this album; their voices are emotional, vibrant and strong! The mixing by Bennett Studios is superb and the quality of the sound is excellent.
The CD starts off with the playful and somewhat humorous "Exactly Like You." There's a rapid shift in gear for the next track, the classic French ballad entitled "La Vie En Rose." Together Tony and k.d. lang perform this flawlessly; I listened to "La Vie En Rose" several times before moving on to the next tracks because this song is done with a great deal of sensitivity and passion.
Other classic ballads, some of which are clearly associated with Louis Armstrong, include "What A Wonderful World;" "A Kiss To Build A Dream On;" That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)" and "If We Never Meet Again." Tony and k.d. lang perform all these and more on this album to perfection. Excellent!
The liner notes include some nice photos of Tony and k.d. lang as well as the song credits. There is a nice rendering of Louis Armstrong, too.
Overall, you just can't go wrong with this CD if you're a fan of classic pop vocals, Tony Bennett, k.d. lang or duets. Tony and k.d. lang shine brilliantly on this album; they never miss a beat as they perform each song with true feeling and passion.
So, when DO we get an encore?
Highly recommended.
Free Music Review: I'm Confessin' (That I Love This CD)
Hit: 5 Stars
It has been so long since I heard something new that made me feel as giddy and happy as this cd! It is absolutely beautiful, kd and Tony are perfect together and one of the best things about both of those singers is that yes, they are powerhouse singers, but they can reign it in - none of that 'Star Search' screeching just to prove they can. And, when they come together, they do NOT try to outdo each other like so many other singers will do in duets - it was like they were both born to do this (although Tony had to wait awhile!).Additionally, I would call myself a hardcore kd fan - have bought every album they day it came out since Shadowland, have had the pleasure of seeing her live 5 times and this is BY FAR her best effort. Kd has an awesome voice and I have been blown away many times by her, but I have never heard her voice sound so PRETTY, yes, pretty. Sends shivers up and down your spine. I could gush all day long, but I will end with the note that T Bone Burnett produced this cd and that (almosssssst always) guarantees quality sound. The "quality" and clarity of this disk is excellent and anyone who is a fan of kd and/or Tony Bennett, jazz, or just great music should add this to their collection as soon as possible!