Tony Bennett Sings For Lovers

Performer: Tony Bennett
Producer: Tony Bennett; Nick Phillips (Compilation)
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Tony Bennett (vocals); Ruby Braff (cornet); Bill Evans (piano); Chuck Hughes (drums). This set of romantic songs sung by Tony Bennett mostly dates from his 1970s heyday. Though pieces recorded with various orchestras, like "As Time Goes By" and "Minha (All Mine)" find the singer at his sophisticated best, the cuts recorded with pianist Bill Evans, with the pianist playing both solo and in a small group setting, are most exquisitely realized. This 15-track torch and ballads collection is drawn mostly from the vaults of Tony Bennett's Improv label, which existed between 1975 and 1977. This was the label he created to get away -- for a while -- from the strict rules of being on a major label. Here he could take the chances he wanted to and not worry about his recording contract being in jeopardy. The players on these sides were a close-knit group of Bennett's associates and friends, and included Ruby Braff, John Giuffrida, Torrie Zito, Chuck Hughes, George Barnes, and Wayne Wright. Four of these cuts -- "My Foolish Heart," "The Touch of Your Lips," "But Beautiful," and "Some Other Time" -- come from the original Tony Bennett/Bill Evans album that has been reissued on the OJC label, and "You Don't Know What Love Is" comes from their reunion outing. Ultimately there are better Bennett collections of love songs, but hey, this is Tony Bennett, a man who always puts his heart and his technical acumen as an interpreter of great songs into everything he does. For the price, few if any will be disappointed, but this would not be a first choice for most Bennett fans. ~ Thom Jurek

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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