Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington

Tony Bennett | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 28, 1999)
• Original Release Date: September 28, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00001R3HF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,233 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #61 in Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Classic Vocalists

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Tony Bennett's tribute to the songs of Duke Ellington is unsurprisingly tasteful and personal. Working mainly with longtime cohort Ralph Sharon's quartet, the occasional string section, guest horns Wynton Marsalis and Al Grey, and violinist Joel Smirnoff, Bennett puts his stamp on 14 mostly well-known tunes from the Ellington book. His "Mood Indigo" is less the cutting burst of desperation that Sinatra committed on In the Wee Small Hours and more of an isn't-that-just-the-way shake of the head. "Caravan" appears in an arrangement that both honors the spirit of the famous original and shakes it up with a subtle shift in tempo. "Azure," the least celebrated song here, is another highlight, thanks to Bennett's artful tangy-and-sweet touch. Only the snippets of "Take the 'A' Train" that link several cuts feel out of place; it would have been nice to hear the ensemble work out on the number as an album closer instead. Still, Hot & Cool does honor to everyone involved. --Rickey Wright

From Jazziz

History has proven that the masses fell in love with the popular crooners often in orchestral settings. Tony Bennett, one of Sinatra's personal favorites, did his own tribute to the Chairman a few years back. Most recently, riding newfound popularity with fans old and new, Bennett recorded a set of Ellington music with strings. We feature his version of "Daydream" from 1999's Bennett Sings Ellington Hot and Cool. It provides an interesting contrast to Hersch's instrumental version.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tony Bennett ages like a fine wine., December 23, 1999

By 

Douglas J. Richardson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington (Audio CD)

I have enjoyed each album that Bennett has released since re-signing with Columbia. I have also noticed some vocal deterioration on the last few, especially "Bennett on Holiday". After all, the man is getting older. He remains the master, though, of how to use that voice.

Sometimes the deterioration is evident on this album, but all in all it's a great tribute to the Duke. I like the arrangements and how the songs are interpreted. With a wink and a nod, Ellington would probably agree.

This record has it all. Good singing, good arrangements, good choice of songs. It should, and probably will, be remembered at Grammy time.

Hearing this record reminds me of a review that somebody did of a Pittsburgh Sinatra concert in 1993. The writer said that Frank's voice was only 3/5 what it once was, but that he still was twice the singer anybody else was.

This album proves that Bennett is at the top of his game. Enjoy.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sophisticated man, December 28, 1999

By 

Warren Kim (Seoul, Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington (Audio CD)

14 songs of Duke Ellington. We have heard them through lots of jazz vocalists. However, we can easily tell that Tony Bennett has a little bit difference than any other singers. Abundant, refined of his more than 70-year old voice. Also we ought to know this CD is the best for Tony Bennett and be proud of many musicians to help him including Wynton Marsalis, Ralph Sharon. I sincerely hope this CD is not for his last one.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful tribute to Ellington, February 1, 2001

By 

G. Sawaged - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington (Audio CD)

This is a lovely album. Tony is one of those artists who never fails to produce great stuff. I think his "Mood Indigo" is one of the best I've heard, and I press repeat on that track so many times, it's a wonder it hasn't worn out. Never one to hog the spotlight, "Chelsea Bridge" doesn't even feature Tony at all. It's a wonderful instrumental with Wynton Marsalis on trumpet. Wynton also plays on "Mood Indigo" and "She's got it bad". Duke Ellington would indeed love this tribute. Tony can still sing as well as ever, despite what some reviewers have said. Sure, his voice has aged, but he can still sing with the best of them, and in many cases, better. I recommend this album to any Tony Bennett and/or Ellington fan.