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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The predictably classy Tony Bennett Sings the Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1 might trip you up if you're not an on-the-ball kind of fan: Unlike 2006's Duets: An American Classic and other recent Bennett projects that reached into the past for material but showcased his still mighty modern vocal prowess, Ultimate pulls from real-life days gone by; these are performances hand-plucked by the artist from the '50s, '60s, and '90s. As such, they're apt to add up to a long walk down memory lane for some and a refresher course on why the man matters for others (time has been kind to Bennett, but his gifts were evident decades before he became eligible for Social Security, they'll find). For both camps, the music will sound reliably sophisticated and flecked with magic. Highlights include Cole Porter's haunting "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," from 1958, and the spunky "Ain't Misbehavin,'" from Hot Chocolate, recorded in 1964. But the title can't be counted out when it comes to reeling off the best bits: "Vol. 1" indicates a volume two is on the way, after all. --Tammy La Gorce
Product Description
During the 20th century, American songwriters produced songs that became the standard for vocalists around the world. While many have recorded versions of these songs over the years, Tony Bennett is in that rare class of artist who actually took part in their original interpretation. Tony Bennett Sings The
Ultimate American Songbook features fifteen of the best-known
songs from this large body of work.
At the end of the 20s, into the 30s and 40s, there was a revolution in popular music that will never be topped. Like a renaissance period that was pure magic, it will become our classical music, and it turns out to be The Great American Songbook. Tony Bennett
Ultimate American Songbook features fifteen of the best-known
songs from this large body of work.
At the end of the 20s, into the 30s and 40s, there was a revolution in popular music that will never be topped. Like a renaissance period that was pure magic, it will become our classical music, and it turns out to be The Great American Songbook. Tony Bennett
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A sterling new compilation of previously recorded tunes spanning the entire career of this legendary performer.,
By
This review is from: Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)
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!
39 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
NOT NEW RECORDINGS!!! BUYER BEWARE. !!!!!!!,
By
This review is from: Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)
When I first looked at this cd in the store I really felt this was a brand new CD newley recorded. I read the fine print to find out it was not. To my knowledge not one song is newley recorded.
I feel this is just another way for the record companies to take advantage of the public and make a fast buck,and at top dollar yet!. Puting an older picture of Tony's picture on the CD jacket almost fooled me. Mr. Bennett is a great artist and should consider going into the recording studio and recreating these songs with a full orchestra. Put on your old Bennett cds and save your money for now. Ed Meyer Clermont Florida
19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
UNFORTUNATE DISAPPOINTMENT--MERELY MORE OF THE SAME,
By RJI, ESQ (HATFIELD, PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tony Bennett Sings The Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)
After several weeks of inquiry prior to the release, and after careful
inspection of the CD (gleaned from the fine print on the back of the CD), I can now confirm that this "new" CD is merely more of the same--another complilation CD of the "Great American Songbook." To say that this "new CD" is an unfortunate disappointment is a gross understatement. Adding insult to injury is the crytic nature in which it is marketed--nowhere is there a reference to the fact that these are previously released songs--as noted above--the only way this is ascertained is by looking at the release dates (in the fine print) on the back cover. Not to mention in the several stores I was in, attempting to here a sample, the players indicated the CD was not scanned and could not be played? Why I wonder? Moreover, all descriptions of the CD on line make mention that these songs are derived from Mr. Bennett's many works, not noting that they are the actually works--previously released--not re-makes from an older, wiser, more skilled Mr. Bennett. Given the above, what is the point in this CD? Save for the obvious intent to dress up old material and get a double dip in profit. If you are truly interested in these songs, purchase the albums from whence they came. Complilations rob the listener of the intended moods set by the organization and concept of the particular album. All this material has already been re-released--get the actual albums and listen to these songs as they were intended to be heard. This is what causes me such consternation, if it was the intent of Mr. Bennett and Columbia to release a definative "Songbook" series (as is clear by the labeling of Vol. 1--suggesting more volumes to come) why not release everything in a complete box set, akin to the massive Sinatra box sets. In sum, this complilation is merely more of the same, it's lackluster and an extreme let done after Mr. Bennett's stellar album "The Art of Romance. Moreover, I fully support celebrating Mr. Bennett's legacy and major contributions to American Standards, however Mr. Bennett is the last of the Breed, he is still in good voice, and his efforts should be concentrated on continuing to add to the Great American Songbook, not repeating it. Sorry Piasan, this CD is a major let down. We expect more from you. B
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