While we’re waiting on the release of The Zen of Bennett, here’s the trailer for you to enjoy. I can hardly wait.
Tony Bennett on National Public Radio
I think NPR loves Tony Bennett, as they have archived a treasure trove of interviews. Here are some of my favorites.
This story by Scott Simon, Tony Bennett’s Art of Intimacy, was played on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday on November 4, 2011 is a favorite of mine. It’s an extended interview that covers his vocal training right after the war, how he addresses singing at the age of 85, and some special words about the people he collaborated with in Duets II. Good interview, nice clips from the album, and very nicely produced. Click here to listen.
In the same time period, Tony visited the NPR studios and sang two songs, accompanied by Lee Musiker. Click here to view this small concert.
And an extended interview on World Cafe, also from Fall 2011. The discussion about the end about Tony’s relationship to painting and singing are well worth listening to. Click here to listen.
He has appeared on Marian McPartland’s wonderful Piano Jazz show. Click here to listen. This show was recorded in 2004.
And finally, an interesting story about creating a new arrangement of I Left My Heart in San Francisco with Bill Charlap in 2006. Click here to listen.
There’s more on NPR … Just navigate to www.npr.org and search for Tony Bennett. You wont’ be sorry!
Happy Anniversary
The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Tony and his wife Susan a very happy anniversary!
Thank You, Tony Bennett
The fact that I’ve started this blog means that I have a fair amount to say about Tony Bennett. I’ve said some of it already, and there’s a lot more to come.
But it comes down to this–thank you, Tony Bennett.
Thank you for making so many wonderful albums. Thank you for continuing to appear in concert. And for playing the West Coast often enough for me to see you in concert pretty often. Thank you for writing your books. Thank you for everything you mean to those of us who love your art and music.
Thank you for letting us share in that.
– Suzanne
The Best $5.99 You’ll Ever Spend
If you are a fan of Mr. Bennett’s live performances, I recommend that you download the iTunes Festival: London 2010 EP set of six songs, performed live in London. These recordings do not (as yet) exist on any released album. They are, without a doubt, on the top of my favorite cuts of his. Included on the set is:
- The Best Is Yet To Come
- Maybe This Time
- Sing You Sinners
- Smile
- Who Care (So Long As You Care For Me)
- For Once In My Life
If you’re not already a fan of his live performances, well, you’re missing something wonderful. Again, try this set for $5.99.
Mr. Bennett is accompanied by Lee Musiker (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Marshall Wood (bass) and Harold Jones (drums). The quartet is wonderful–on this EP set as well as in the live performances I’ve seen.
This link will take to you the proper location in ITunes. If you already have this, consider gifting it to a friend.