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Editorial Reviews
In sessions recorded in September 1973, Tony Bennett cut a series of songs by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, backed by the Ruby Braff - George Barnes Quartet. Originally, they resulted in two albums on Bennett's Improv Records, each containing ten selections. The material has been collected several times, including on the 1990 DRG collection The Rodgers and Hart Songbook, the 1999 Rhino disc Sings Rodgers & Hart Songs, and the 2005 Concord compilation Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook. Bennett is a sterling interpreter, and the backup is sympathetic.
-All Music Guide
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fine tribute to Rodgers and Hart--BRAVO, TONY BENNETT !!!,
By Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook (Audio CD)
Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook is a single CD with a whopping twenty-six songs, all wonderfully performed by the great Tony Bennett. Tony's voice is in excellent form throughout this album; and the music that accompanies him is very fine as well. The quality of the sound is excellent and that cover art is very nicely done."This Can't Be Love" gets a fine treatment from Tony who plays with the tempo and keys a bit to put his own mark on this classic ballad. The musical interlude is very jazzy but it still works wonders for "This Can't Be Love." What a great start for this album! "The Lady Is A Tramp" also gets the royal, jazzy treatment from Tony and the musicians as they sing and play this to perfection--and beyond! Tony's excellent diction bolsters his performance and he never misses a beat, either! In addition, Tony makes good on "Manhattan;" this classic love song that is so optimistic truly shines just as brightly all these years later--and I love every minute of it. "Isn't It Romantic?" is another favorite tune of mine on this album; Tony gives this so much feeling that I'm convinced that Rodgers and Hart would both be so proud! "I Could Write A Book" features Tony Bennett squarely in the spotlight--right where he belongs! "I Could Write A Book" has a very, very pretty melody and this enchants me quite a bit. "Thou Swell" is another highlight of this album; and I'm sure you'll enjoy this timeless ballad very much. "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World" has such a gentle treatment from Tony Bennett that I'm truly very impressed; and the horn works great for the musical arrangement, too. "You Took Advantage Of Me" is a number I have always liked; and when Tony sings it this number glows brilliantly! "My Heart Stood Still" is another charming love ballad with a fine musical arrangement; and listen for "My Romance." "My Romance" features Tony's vocals squarely front and center--and that's all right by me! "This can't Be Love" has an alternative arrangement that also sounds quite strong; and other extra tracks include "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World" and "I Wish I Were In Love Again." Tony Bennett could always sing with the best of them--and he's still going strong! We are all so much better off for his sharing his talents with us. Tony Bennett fans will love this CD; and people who like music by Rodgers and Hart will want this,
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I'd Like To Take A Sail On Jamaica Bay With You",
By
This review is from: Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook (Audio CD)
"This album is a marriage of music, taste and performance. Tony Bennett, one of America's finest entertainers, loves, admires, respects and cherishes the constantly surprising refrains in the brilliant matching of Rodgers and Hart. They are, without argument, the definitive collaborators of the truly Golden Age of the Broadway Musical. You recognize love and respect in every decibel, the timbre of Tony Bennett's tones, his perfect interpretations. Ruby Braff's flawless cornet, George Barnes' matchless guitar together with Wayne Wright and John Giufrida, form a sparkling setting for Tony's gem-like performance." ~ Jack O'Brian ~I agree with what Jack O'Brian has written on the brief Liner Notes on this double delight twofer, "Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers and Hart Songbook," a combination of two LP records compiled and remastered in one CD, which presents the very best of Richard Rodgers' charming and timeless music, and Lorenz Hart's meaningful lyrics. The first ten tracks were taken from the album "Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers and Hart Songs," and the rest of the tracks were taken from "Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers and Hart." I simply love the sound of a cornet that's why I'm drawn to this CD. Ruby Braff is a fine cornet player. I share Mr. O'Brian's sentiment about his playing--flawless--that is! I began to appreciate the beautiful sound of a cornet when I first heard Michael Feinstein's astounding version of "Darn That Dream" featuring a solo cornet by Warren Vaché on a stunning two-CD-set, Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway. The bass and guitar works can't simply be ignored and I applaud the fine musicians who made it spectacular - George Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitars and John Giufrida on bass. Even with sparse instrumentations and without an orchestral setting, the Emmy and Grammy winning crooner still shines in all his renditions and I believe that it's a clear testament that he can deliver outstanding interpretations in any setting, be it with a trio, a quartet, or an orchestra. He is a consummate artist -- a great singer with a unique voice, and not to mention that he is also a creative and remarkable painter. It is a known-fact that Mr. Bennett loves to sing and to paint and this is especially true with the recent released of his book, Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music. My personal favorites include "My Romance," "I Could Write A Book," which includes a seldom-recorded intro verse, "Isn't It Romantic," the opener "This Can't Be Love," which sets the tone of this lovely CD, and of course "Manhattan." "I'd like to take a sail on Jamaica Bay with you The fair Canarsie's Lake we'll view The city's bustle cannot destroy The dreams of a boy and girl We'll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy" When you think of some of the enduring songs by Rodgers and Hart, consider this CD and I can assure you that it will be a wonderful listening experience. This is Tony Bennett at his prime and at some of his very best renderings! It is also a good introduction to the timeless music of this great songwriting pair. With my heartfelt recommendation for a lovely listen.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent collection highlighting Tony's voice and style,
By Scooter "SRD" (United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook (Audio CD)
An excellent collection of R&H songs done in Tony's unique style, and with a very unusual accompaniment of a small quartet of string bass, 2 guitars and cornet. No percussion at all really highlights Tony's voice as the centerpiece of the musical ensemble. The ambience is that of a small club - very intimate, almost subdued even when he's swinging, and personal, almost as if he's singing right to you in the seats near the stage. Some mild reverb is applied to the voice track to allow for some warmth, but certainly the feeling is close and personal, and relaxed. Tony doesn't do the loud, nearly yelling of the final lines of the song as perhaps he's known to do with a large orchestra accompanying; instead he modulates the energy, even nearly whispering on some tunes where it's appropriate. Tony's diction and rhythm are perfect, and his own rhythmic and word-usage takes on various verses and lines really accentuate the R&H songwriting. The inclusion of some lesser-known and rarely performed intro verses to the songs is a very nice touch, allowing for the collection to stand out from all the R&H performances that one can find. A real gem of an album, and I think, one of Tony's best, in that he pulls off something rather difficult in perfect form. Listen to it over a quiet dinner, or on a long ride in the car, or on a long night flight - but best to listen in one shot, as some of the tunes are very short - under 3 minutes, just over 2 minutes, etc. and the continuity is embedded in the selections and order of the songs. 5 stars.
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