The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Friday, February 3, 2017 is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

“In A Mellow Tone” was written by Duke Ellington, with lyrics from Milt Gabler, was written in 1939. This song was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, which was released on the centennial birthday of the great Duke Ellington. This recording was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns. It features the Ralph Sharon Quartet, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, Clayton Cameron on drums, and Gray Sargent on guitar. I especially like the opening of the song, which starts with just the singer and guitar, then piano and then the rest of the quartet. It’s a lovely beginning. Listen how the song grows throughout to finally bring in the band. Sargent’s guitar is outstanding on this recording.

In A Mellow Tone

In A Mellow Tone, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: East of the Sun

The song of the day for Monday, December 12, 2016 is “East of the Sun (West of the Moon).”

About This Song

“East of the Sun (West of the Moon)” was written in 1934 by Princeton University student Bruce Bowman for a student musical, Stags At Bay, produced by the Princeton Triangle Club.

The song had great reception and was noted by Princeton alumnus F. Scott Fitzgerald. After his graduation from college in 1936, Bowman worked briefly in Hollywood for the film industry, but decided to return to the East Coast. He was about to start a contract with a New York music publisher when he was killed in an automobile accident in 1937.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “East of the Sun (West of the Moon)” in 1992 for the album Perfectly Frank. He is accompanied by the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

East of the Sun (West of the Moon)

East of the Sun (West of the Moon), a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“East of the Sun (West of the Moon),” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Call Me Irresponsible

The song of the day for Sunday, December 11, 2016 is “Call Me Irresponsible.”

About This Song

“Call Me Irresponsible” was written in 1962 by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn.
The song was originally written for Fred Astaire to sing in the movie Papa’s Delicate Condition. However, due to contractual obligations, the role went to Jackie Gleason, who introduced the song. “Call Me Irresponsible” won the 1964 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Call Me Irresponsible” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank, consisting of songs associated with his good friend Frank Sinatra. The arrangement is from Ralph Sharon and Bennett is accompanied by the Ralph Sharon Trio, featuring Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

Call Me Irresponsible

Call Me Irresponsible, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Call Me Irresponsible,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Today we remember the late Frank Sinatra, who was born 101 years ago on December 12, 1915. He certainly is one of America’s greatest singers who, like Tony Bennett, never goes out of style.

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Song of the Day: Autumn In New York

The song of the day for Monday, November 14, 2016 is “Autumn In New York.”

About This Song

Vernon Duke wrote “Autumn In New York” for the 1934 Broadway musical Thumbs Up! The song has proved quite popular over the years, with recordings by Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan and many, many more.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Autumn In New York” in 1992; the song was an outtake from the album Perfectly Frank. It features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

Autumn In New York – 2011 Remaster

Autumn In New York – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Autumn In New York,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes, and Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Night And Day

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 31, 2016 is “Night And Day.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Night and Day” for the 1932 musical Gay Divorce, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire. The song became and still is quite popular and certainly a standard in the American songbook. Significant recordings include those by Art Tatum, Bill Evans, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and Django Reinhardt.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Night and Day” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. The arrangement is by Ralph Sharon and features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

Night and Day

Night and Day, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Night And Day,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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