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Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington
Tony Bennett
Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

Tony Bennett's tribute to the songs of Duke Ellington is unsurprisingly tasteful and personal. Working mainly with longtime cohort Ralph Sharon's quartet, the occasional string section, guest horns Wynton Marsalis and Al ...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Tony Bennett
Title: Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Sony
Original Release Date: 9/28/1999
Release Date: 9/28/1999
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Oldies, Vocal Pop, Classic Vocalists, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 074646366820, 074646366882

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Tony Bennett's tribute to the songs of Duke Ellington is unsurprisingly tasteful and personal. Working mainly with longtime cohort Ralph Sharon's quartet, the occasional string section, guest horns Wynton Marsalis and Al Grey, and violinist Joel Smirnoff, Bennett puts his stamp on 14 mostly well-known tunes from the Ellington book. His "Mood Indigo" is less the cutting burst of desperation that Sinatra committed on In the Wee Small Hours and more of an isn't-that-just-the-way shake of the head. "Caravan" appears in an arrangement that both honors the spirit of the famous original and shakes it up with a subtle shift in tempo. "Azure," the least celebrated song here, is another highlight, thanks to Bennett's artful tangy-and-sweet touch. Only the snippets of "Take the 'A' Train" that link several cuts feel out of place; it would have been nice to hear the ensemble work out on the number as an album closer instead. Still, Hot & Cool does honor to everyone involved. --Rickey Wright

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CD Reviews

Tony Bennett ages like a fine wine.
Douglas J. Richardson | 12/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed each album that Bennett has released since re-signing with Columbia. I have also noticed some vocal deterioration on the last few, especially "Bennett on Holiday". After all, the man is getting older. He remains the master, though, of how to use that voice.Sometimes the deterioration is evident on this album, but all in all it's a great tribute to the Duke. I like the arrangements and how the songs are interpreted. With a wink and a nod, Ellington would probably agree.This record has it all. Good singing, good arrangements, good choice of songs. It should, and probably will, be remembered at Grammy time.Hearing this record reminds me of a review that somebody did of a Pittsburgh Sinatra concert in 1993. The writer said that Frank's voice was only 3/5 what it once was, but that he still was twice the singer anybody else was.This album proves that Bennett is at the top of his game. Enjoy."
Sophisticated man
Warren Kim | Seoul, Korea | 12/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"14 songs of Duke Ellington. We have heard them through lots of jazz vocalists. However, we can easily tell that Tony Bennett has a little bit difference than any other singers. Abundant, refined of his more than 70-year old voice. Also we ought to know this CD is the best for Tony Bennett and be proud of many musicians to help him including Wynton Marsalis, Ralph Sharon. I sincerely hope this CD is not for his last one."
A wonderful tribute to Ellington
G. Sawaged | Canada | 02/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a lovely album. Tony is one of those artists who never fails to produce great stuff. I think his "Mood Indigo" is one of the best I've heard, and I press repeat on that track so many times, it's a wonder it hasn't worn out. Never one to hog the spotlight, "Chelsea Bridge" doesn't even feature Tony at all. It's a wonderful instrumental with Wynton Marsalis on trumpet. Wynton also plays on "Mood Indigo" and "She's got it bad". Duke Ellington would indeed love this tribute. Tony can still sing as well as ever, despite what some reviewers have said. Sure, his voice has aged, but he can still sing with the best of them, and in many cases, better. I recommend this album to any Tony Bennett and/or Ellington fan."