The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings features both legendary albums, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album and Together Again, completely remixed and remastered along with exensive rare and alternate material. This... more » specially priced double disc package also features all-new liner notes by Will Friedwald.« less
The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings features both legendary albums, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album and Together Again, completely remixed and remastered along with exensive rare and alternate material. This specially priced double disc package also features all-new liner notes by Will Friedwald.
CD Reviews
Superb Duets
Kevin J. Roberts | 04/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This issue combines all of the alternate takes that were previously available on three separate issues, and adds just one new alternate take that was not on those issues (the last track on Disc 2 - Who Can I Turn To). The first 5 alternates on Disc 2 were available on the 2006 reissue of the Tony Bennett-Bill Evans Album (which did not get much distribution), all the rest (except the last track) were spread across the 1999 Rhino reissue of Together Again and the 2003 Concord Reissue of Together Again. This may seem frustrating to have yet another reissue, but it pulls everything together in a more logical arrangement, at a bargain price and remastered as well. Given the presence of one of the greatest pianists ever to touch the ivories, and Tony Bennett in his "later period" peak, this is a must, even if you have the earlier issues. If you are a Bill Evans completist, there is that last track too. Nearly every singer is jealous of Tony Bennett having the legendary Bill Evans as an accompanist."
Superb
Beegie L. Adair | Franklin, Tennessee | 06/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Possibly the best voice/piano duo recordings existing. Everyone who loves either of these artists should add this to their collection. It's quite the loveliest music you'll hear, and this will become one of your 'desert island' recordings."
Wonderful classic
Jonathan Jacobs | del mar, california | 05/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderful remastered classic. Heartily recommend. In my opinion, Bill Evans was the greatest jazz piananist of his or any time. Tony Bennett with Bill Evans at his best. Magnificent!"
Bill And Tony; their recordings are an artistic treasure!
Michael E. Deak | Gig Harbor, WA USA | 10/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These new releases are truly a window on the process of creation. Though there are similar elements in each take, there are significant differences in the alternate versions. Under most circumstances, it is quite obvious to the disernable listener why the release take was chosen--a flubbed note here, a slightly late entrance there--but some of the alternate takes are equal to the release takes, so it comes down to the aesthetics of the performers as to which performances they favored. It has been decades since these recordings came out, but who's counting? The music is as valid today as when the recordings were first marketed. This music expresses the artistic concepts of two artists at the top of their game. The recordings are a must for listeners who enjoy the intimate nature of chamber music--simply voice and piano. There are transcendent moments a-plenty on these discs... and the price is more than reasonable. No matter how you obtain these Bill Evans-Tony Bennett albums--retail store or (preferrably) Amazon--don't hesitate! Musical epiphanies await."
A classic in every sense of the word!
Joseph Zeccola | Los Angeles, CA USA | 06/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you ever wished you could hear Tony Bennett in a small bar with just a piano accompanying him, this set is your wish granted, on steroids. It's Tony at the absolute height of his vocal power, accompanied by Bill Evans, maybe the most lyrical jazz piano player in history. Neither Bennett nor Evans owns the spotlight on these tracks, each shares it willingly. Alternately touching, heartbreaking, wistful, and just simply lovely, this is the one Tony Bennett CD you should own if you own no other. He and Evans genuinely admired and respected one another and it shows throughout their two full albums, collected here with many alternate takes. Bennett considers these simple, intimate sessions among his two or three great works, and I cannot agree more.
Run, don't walk to buy/download The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings. It is a Magnum Opus from two artists, who had already achieved greatness on their own, collaborating in the truest sense of the word to create, as Evans would say, "truth and beauty, that's all.""
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1