Steppin' Out

Tony Bennett

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 5, 1993)
• Original Release Date: October 5, 1993
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000029C2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,352 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This is the album that transformed Tony Bennett from crooner to hipster, a run that culminated in his 1994 MTV appearance. Steppin' Out is Bennett's tribute to Fred Astaire, who introduced as many American standards as anyone due to his relationships with such songwriters as Berlin, Porter, Kern, and the Gershwins. While Bennett avoids some obvious choices ("Night and Day" and "A Foggy Day" had been covered in his earlier Sinatra tribute), he picks a number of classics from Astaire's 1930s heyday as well as some songs from his MGM years, including the gem of the album, "You're All the World to Me." Bennett is ably assisted, as always, by the Ralph Sharon Trio. Great singer, great songs, great album. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Master of style!, June 7, 2001

By	Dennis Brislen (Omaha, Ne USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There is something about the aging of the great ones. As they lose a little in vocal power and range, they seem to be able to make up for it with superior interpretation and emotion. Tony Bennett (and Nat Cole, Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and a few others), proves the point in this tribute to Fred Astaire. Ironically Astaire, who never had vocal power or range, always relied on interpretation to sell his songs. That he did so successfully, is attested by the fact that he was considered by Ira Gershwin and Irving Berlin to be the one vocalist they trusted to sing their songs exactly as they were written.

Bennett may struggle here and there to reach a note, but he can be forgiven because he sells each song with mastery of style and meaning. His version of WHO CARES is unique and makes what most singers use as an uptempo swinger into a sweet near ballad. HE LOVES SHE LOVES is sung at almost a whisper and Bennett wrings more emotion from the song than I've heard from any other vocalist. Indeed, he performs the Gershwin and Berlin numbers wonderfully. No easy task. Although they are for the most part familiar, they are difficult to sing as many a kareoke performer has learned to his or her regret.

This one is a keeper! It belongs in every pop music lovers collection, right alongside his previous work, Sinatra tribute PERFECTLY FRANK.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UNPARALLED BENNETT!, December 7, 1999

By	Melvyn M. Sobel (Freeport (Long Island), New York) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I have always been a Sinatra fan--- was "raised" on his Capitol albums during the 50s--- never even thought of Bennett... until he released his "Perfectly Frank" album... then I was a convert. Some of his covers of the Frankie tunes were as good, if not more intimate than Sinatra himself. I was shocked. When I discovered the "Steppin' Out" album (1993) just recently in my local library's collection, I checked it out, taped it & listened. When I grew to love it, I bought the CD--- and I'm still listening! (Which is driving my girlfriend completely bonkers! However, before this, I had purchased the new Philip Glass soundtrack to DRACULA--- and THAT just about turned her corner, too. Heh, heh, heh. I think she'd listen to Glass, now, just for a change.) Anyway, there's not one track on this CD that's a dog. The Sharon Trio is just right, with Ralph playing a marvelous piano. Bennett is just right, too, obviously. Unlike the "Perfectly Frank" CD, which does have some tracks that simply don't cut it, this is the Bennett CD to interest those who would never touch this genre with a ten foot pole. I got it on sale for $8.99.... and ain't I happy! The music is contagious. The songs will stay with you, dare I say it, night and day? If the 2nd track, "Who Cares?", doesn't melodically haunt you, you must be already dead. This song is worth the entire CD. Do yourself a favor. Buy it and...... enjoy.

[Running time: 52:57]

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great singer's homage to a great dancer--A KEEPER!!!!!!!!!, August 21, 2002

By	Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

What a combination! A great singer of the '50's through today paying tribute to a great dancer of the 30's and 40's, with songs from the 20's through the 40's.

When he first auditioned, the notes on Fred Astaire's performance read "Can't act; can't sing; dances a little." He went on to be one of the two great male dancers in the movies of the 30's and 40's.

He introduced the great songs on this album--songs by the likes of the Gershwins, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin--to the movie going public, and Tony Bennett captures both the charm of these songs and the Astaire appeal in his delivery. Outstanding are "Top Hat, White Tie And Tails", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Dancing In The Dark", "Nice Work If You Can Get It", "Shall We Dance", and "That's Entertainment".

If you have appreciation for the eras that this music represents, you'll find this a truly great album.