The Year of Tony Bennett has seen Tony Bennett several times in concert, always with this quartet of gifted musicians who not only back up Mr. Bennett superbly, but are all exceptional artists in their own right.
Tom Adair (piano).
Gray Sargent (guitar). Gray Sargent has, to the best of our knowledge, played with Mr. Bennett longer than other members of the current quartet. Gray was a member of the Ralph Sharon Quartet (along with Clayton Cameron and Paul Langosch) and has played with Ruby Braff. He is a recognized jazz and swing guitarist. Tony often sings with only Gray accompanying him at his concerts and those songs are always quite lovely. You can sometimes find Gray’s album, Shades of Gray, from Amazon.
Marshall Wood (bass). Marshall Wood is a well-respected jazz bass player. He played with Gray Sargent on Shades of Gray and with Rudy Braff.
Harold Jones (drums). Count Basie’s Favorite Drummer. He’s The Year of Tony Bennett‘s favorite drummer too. A native of Richmond, Indiana, he has played with many of the 20th and 21st century’s finest jazz artists: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Oscar Peterson, Benny Goodman, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald and Natalie Cole. He is a renowned drumming instructor as well. We recently enjoyed the new biography of Mr. Jones: Harold Jones: The Singer’s Drummer by Gil Jacobs, which is available on Amazon.
Truly, thankful to have shared a beautiful evening with my amazing husband, mother, and our talented young musician. Mr. Tony Bennett is an absolute favorite ! We were blessed to sit in the front center row! It appeared that Collin was your youngest guest! Pure joy for all!
Thank you, Mr. Tony Bennett, your incredible quartet, and certainly to Antonio!
An evening with tony and his band. A once in a lifetime experience.. You were incredible Mr Bennett.Thanks
I attended Tony Bennett’s concert last evening in Boise. I just had to go on-line to read more about the band members. What a treat to hear the amazing Mr Bennett (third time for me) and the awesome talents of his quartet. Mr Bennett just seems ageless, his voice as strong as ever. Thanks to all, and early birthday wishes, Tony, on your upcoming 90th birthday.
Hi Barbara,
I’m glad you liked the post about the quartet. I was going to try to get to Boise for the concert (I live in Portland), but just started a new job and couldn’t take the time off for travel.
Best,
Suzanne
p.s. We’re just a fan site and aren’t affiliated with Tony Bennett in any way. ๐
A wonderful evening last night in Manchester (UK). A masterclass in performance, with four of the finest musicians I have ever heard. How good to have musicians who don’t drown out the artiste, but are an overall part of the experience.
Hi Steve,
I have great respect and admiration for Bennett’s quartet. Each on his own is a wonderful musician, but as a quartet, with Bennett, they play and and sing as one.
I’m glad you had such a great evening!
Best,
Suzanne
Billy Stritch accompanied Liza Minelli in one of the performances that honored Stephen Sondheim in a storied Concert at Carnegie Hall, in 1992. Get the dvd of that concert … it’s one for the ages.
Thanks for the tip! I do love Sondheim.
I saw Tony and the quartet in Portland, Oregon a week and a half ago and they were outstanding then as well.