TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNETT
The loss of Tony Bennett last month held special poignance for those of us who worship “the standards” of American popular music – as to which (next to Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald), Tony was widely acknowledged as the master over his amazing seven decade career.
If you doubt this, take a gander at these quotes:
“Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business – the best exponent of a song. He excites me whenever I watch him – he moves me.”
– Frank Sinatra
“Tony Bennett is the best singer I’ve ever heard.”
– Bing Crosby.
When I heard the sad news, I decided to pay my own tribute to his memory. I went to my copy of “The Tony Bennett Songbook,” which contains sheet music for 42 of the songs Bennett recorded. I picked out 15 that meant the most to me, added one I liked that wasn’t in the book, and played them on my living room piano, as recorded by my colleague Raymond. Once through each, very few repeats, no frills or improvisations – just wonderful melodies and chords that stand up well even without the familiar lyrics and Tony’s unmistakable voice. As intended, the collection comes in at under a half hour and is my musical blog entry for August.
The songs are (in order of play):
1. When Joanna Loved Me
2. They All Laughed
3. Because of You
4. Blue Velvet
5. Nice Work If You Can Get It
6. Call Me Irresponsible
7. Time After Time
8. Just in Time
9. This is All I Ask
10. Lost in the Stars
11. A Foggy Day (in London Town)
12. I’ll Be Seeing You
13. I’ve Got the World on a String
14. Once Upon a Time
15. When in Rome
16. I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Details regarding each song are contained in my liner notes, which you can access (before, during, or after listening to the recording) by clicking on this link.
So sit back, relax, and for half an hour imagine you’re listening to Tony Bennett singing these fine songs with which he will be forever associated.