Customer Reviews

A Swingin'Christmas (CD/DVD)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This Deluxe edition has a bonus DVD with a 24 minute "Making Of" special that is well worth the extra cost. At Target Stores, there is an additional/exclusive 20 minute segment on the DVD called "Live In Concert", that turns out to be a new performance with the Count Basie Orchestra and pianist Monty Alexander of several complete tunes from this album! (My Favorite Things, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, O Christmas Tree, Winter Wonderland, and Silver Bells)
The "Making Of" segment only contains partial or interrupted sections of the live performances.

The Johnny Mandel/Alan & Marilyn Bergman song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on this CD was first released in 2004 on the Barnes & Noble exclusive version of Tony's CD "THE ART OF ROMANCE" under it's original title "A Christmas Love Song" (it was also recorded by Manhattan Transfer on their 1992 Christmas Album). All other tracks are new recordings with the Basie Orchestra.

WalMart (ughh) has a version with two "exclusive" bonus tracks - Let It Snow (from the Family Christmas TV Special 1992) and The Christmas Song (from his 2000 album with 3 other singers) - not new or exclusive material at all.

Great album! If you like big band jazz this is a "must have" CD. I got the CD/DVD package. On the DVD Bennett is shown singing "The Christmas Song" (Torme) but sadly, it was not included on the CD. Pianist Monty Alexander plays more than the Count would have but was superb! Highly recommend; it won't dissappoint.

I love this cd! I think Tony Bennet is as good as ever! And I love the big band sound of Count Basie as well! I highly recommend this for Christmas gifts!

Buy this CD! This is class all the way, how can you lose with Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra? Tony had only done one other Christmas album up to this one apparently (correct me if I'm wrong). My wife and I have been collecting Swing style Christmas albums for a few years, and this one is definately a crown jewel in the collection. I don't need to say much, just buy it and you won't regret it!!

This is one Tony Bennett recording I wiah I hadn't bought. Like any singer, Bennett has reached a point where he should stick to his painting. For the ultimate Bennett fan, I guess you have to have this one to go with all the others. But if you remember the Tony Bennett of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", you'll be disappointed. Tony can't hold a note out and has trouble with his phrasing. As an amateur singer myself, it's perfectly understandable. When you reach that stage you are best remembered for what you were at your peak. The Basic Band swings like it always does even without The Count.

The Basie Orchestra was given short shrift and had only a few opportunities to demonstrate its prowess.

The fact is that Tony Bennett is a phenomenon He has maintained his career with the same vitality at his advanced age that he had when he was young.

This new album bears this out. He sings great! He swings great! And the band and his fine group are great!

Christmas is over but I'll play this CD for the whole new year.

I'm a young listener, but I grew up with a huge Tony Bennett fan. I got this CD as a gift for my mother and I think I like it more than she does!

If you're looking for his traditional christmas sounds, this isn't for you. But, the songs are fun and easy to listen to. Great to put on in the background during the family meal or during presents or something.

Saw Tony Bennett talk about his 'A Swinging Christmas' on The View. It is a very good addition to anyone's library if they like good singing and good big band music in the Count Basie style. For 82 this man is a smash and I hope I'm as good at 82 as he is. Just wonderful. Thank you Mr Bennett!!

P.S. Just love 'I'll Be Home For Christmas".

REG MASON
Australia 2008

The voice is a little dry but Tony Bennett's enormous warmth and humanity shines in every gem-like song on this cd. I believe that's called "genius" when coupled with ageless talent and artistry such as his. Impeccable musicianship from singer and all the band: you can feel their great camraderie. This cd is like a necklace of rubies and emeralds strung together perfectly to glow through the winter season it celebrates. The short dvd feature is fun to watch. There can never be too much Tony Bennett!