London, Thursday 01.07.10
Tony Bennett
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Albert Hall
Albert Hall, SW7,
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Tony Bennet puts on a five star show
By Jack Massarik, Evening Standard 01.07.10
More reviews by Jack Massarik
True star: Tony Bennett is still as good as ever at 84
Five stars? You betcha. Tony Bennett scored maximum points last night not only for durability — he’ll be 84 in August — and for remaining remarkably sane after 60 years in the spotlight.
For relaxed phrasing alone, his work belongs in the jazz racks, but if there’s a secret to Anthony Dominick Benedetto’s success it’s hard work. Even now he does more than 200 shows a year.
No wonder his top-notch group strained every sinew to make him sound good.
Gray Sargent, a guitarist who realises that less is more, put in sterling work on duets with Tony on But Beautiful and Smile.
Pianist Lee Musiker’s solo spots were more florid but his astute arrangements put a hip gloss on such old favourites as Shadow of Your Smile, with its unusual final key-change, and an artfully reworked I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
“I guess by now you’ll know that I prefer old songs,†said Tony after two dozen classics from the Great American Songbook. “That’s because they’re better than the new ones.†That’s true, yet no younger singer makes them sound better than he does. One of his secrets is that, however tender the ballad, he wraps it up with a big macho power-note that leaves listeners in no doubt that a man is singing.
His unmiked rendition of Fly Me to the Moon just proved the point. Catch him while you can.
Tonight: Information: 020 7589 8212. Other UK tour dates: tonybennett.net.
Caught Live: Tony Bennett
Iconic ... Tony Bennett
GETTY
By ALISON MALONEY
Published: Today
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Who would have thought that veteran crooner TONY BENNETT was a fan of LADY GAGA?
At a packed Royal Albert Hall, the 83-year-old singer showed he was still in touch with the current music scene when he announced: "I'd like to dedicate this song to Lady Gaga", before launching into classic feel-good hit The Good Life.
Now celebrating an incredible 60 years in the business, Tony didn't disappoint his fans, belting out hit after hit from his long career, including Stranger In Paradise, Smile and, of course, the iconic San Francisco.
And the evening was dotted with anecdotes about the many people he had met and worked with, including STEVIE WONDER, FRANK SINATRA and ROSEMARY CLOONEY.
Tony showed he could also cut a few moves and got several rounds of applause when he did a twirl and a soft-shoe shuffle during a duet with daughter Antonia.
And in a remarkable display of his impressive voice, he asked for his microphone to be switched off while he sang Fly Me To The Moon - which could still be heard at the furthest corner of the cavernous hall.
The voice may no longer be as pitch perfect as it was but the timing and charisma made up for it and the audience - including JAMES CORDEN - lapped it up.
Yet another celebrity fan, AMY WINEHOUSE, will be turning up tonight to pay homage to the master.
After the show Tony told The Sun: "I love Gaga. She's a good singer."
But asked whether she would last as long as he has in the business he laughed: "Who knows?"
If GaGa can fill the Royal Albert Hall with adoring fans in the year 2070, it would be a miracle.
And she might have to tone down the outfits a bit by then.
Catch Tony on tour:
July 2: Camden Round House - iTunes Festival
July 3: Birmingham Symphony Hall
July 4: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
July 6: Manchester Bridgewater Hall
July 8: Cork Marquee, Ireland
July 12: Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Hall
July 13: Nottingham Royal Centre
Read more:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sh ... z0sTIQAkow
