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. 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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