Search - Tony Bennett, Bill Evans :: Tony Bennett & Bill Evans Album

One of the two best albums of jazz vocals ever recorded

Rick loves jazz | Sacramento, Ca | 03/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Tony Bennett recorded with Bill Evans, his career was at its nadir. He had lost his contract with Columbia and couldn't find work. Evans was of course still considered a Jazz genius, but 1973 wasn't a good time even for jazz geniuses. Why they ended up in the studio together is a mystery, but the outcome is pure magic.



Bennett was taking a huge chance. There was no orchestra to hide behind, and no pop arrangement to lean on - just the extremely musical but complex Evans playing as he sang. He could have been exposed as just another pop singer, and the chemistry with Evans, who rarely ever accompanied anyone, could have been horrible. But he pulls it off with aplomb!



There is so much richness in the whole album. For example, in "Young and Foolish", Evans forshadows melodic lines that Bennett will be singing as he plays beneath Bennett. The lushness of Bennett's voice is the perfect foil to Evans' harmonic intensity.



The irony is that Bennett, who had never been known as a jazz singer before, becomes known as one, probably on the basis of this album alone; yet, he didn't get back into the studio again for years. And of course for Evans, this album is yet further example of his genius. This is a classic."

Transcendant - Moving - Great Reissue, too

Bill Anthony | North Texas United States | 01/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot think of a strong enough way to describe how important

and eternal this album is, and I'm sure many others have given great

reviews of this and the original CD issues of it.

This new version sounds perfect, and has wonderful alternate takes,

including a version of "Young And Foolish" which includes the opening

verse (not on the original released take). Also includes new liner notes and additional photos."

Tony Bennett Unplugged 20 years early...

D. Hioki | Buffalo, NY | 03/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was working in a Santa Monica restaurant in 1995 where Ross Tompkins played piano a couple of nights a week. He turned me on to this magical album. Every time I listen to it, it touches a different part of my heart. The aching simplicity of "Some Other Time" and the melodic complexities of "Young and Foolish" never let me down."