The Ultimate Tony Bennett

Performer: Tony Bennett
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: This is a Super Audio CD playable only on Super Audio CD players. Compilation producers: Didier C. Deutsch, Darcy M. Proper. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Tony Bennett (vocals); Jimmy Rowles, Tommy Flanagan (piano). Liner Note Authors: Frank Sinatra; Tony Bennett. Recording information: 04/04/1951-07/16/1993. Photographers: Don Hunstein; Lois Greenfield; Mark Seliger; Nigel Parry; Herman Leonard. Arrangers: Don Costa; Johnny Mandel; Al Cohn; Marty Manning; Percy Faith; Ray Conniff; Frank de Vol. The 20 tracks on this anthology cover Bennett's entire career at Columbia, from his 1951 number one single "Because of You" to "Mood Indigo" from 1999's Hot and Cool: Bennett Sings Ellington. Note, however, that "entire career at Columbia" is not synonymous with Bennett's entire career, as there's nothing representing the span between the mid-'60s and the mid-'80s. Since the best Bennett is from the 1950s and early '60s, anyway, that doesn't signify any great loss, particularly as the track selection is considerably weighted toward that era, with 15 of the 20 songs dating from 1951-1965. A 20-song compilation isn't an adequate overview of a singer who has recorded so much material, even in commercial terms; not one of his eight Top 40 singles from 1956 is here, for instance. For those who really want to dig deep into his repertoire, some other compilations, such as the box set 40 Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett and Jazz, might serve some fans better. For the casual fan, though, this might be the best choice, as it does include the songs listeners are most likely to be familiar with: "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Because of You," "Rags to Riches," "I Wanna Be Around," and well-selected non-hits like "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Gigolo and Gigolette)" and "Put on a Happy Face." ~ Richie Unterberger Throughout his career, Tony Bennett has managed to be both a singer's singer and a first rate entertainer--not nearly as easy as it sounds. Though blessed with a beautiful natural timbre, Bennett doesn't settle for merely caressing our eardrums. A popular singer by definition, Bennett's style is informed by jazz phrasing and rhythm. And while mostly known for the heart he brings to his material, there is also ample evidence of nuanced thinking going into what comes out. On this excellent collection that highlights his recordings for Columbia spanning five decades, Bennett's famous ardor and aesthetic honesty are omnipresent. The requisite chestnuts--"I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Rags to Riches," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"--are all here, as befits any ultimate Bennett collection, but we're also treated to the more intimate fare of Bennett with long-time associates the Ralph Sharon Trio on "Steppin' Out With My Baby," a very early take on "Blue Velvet," and a suave-meets-down-and-dirty "Mood Indigo."

Entertainment Weekly (12/1/00, p.103) - "...A well-chosen collection....reaffirming Bennett's evolving vocal artistry." - Rating: A

One of the finest voices of 20th century American pop, Tony Bennett began his career in the '50s, under the watchful eye of producer Mitch Miller, recording huge hits such as "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," and "Because of You." In 1958, his album BASIE SWINGS-BENNETT SINGS was a precursor to later jazz-based work. That same year, "Firefly" was Bennett's last US Top 40 entry until 1962, when he made a major comeback with the Grammy-winning "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." In '93 and '94 he was awarded Grammys for his albums PERFECTLY FRANK and STEPPIN' OUT.

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