Review: Tony Bennett

The qualifying phrase "for a man of his age" simply doesn't apply to Tony Bennett.

Every element of his show Saturday night at the Midland by AMC was impeccable. The 82-year-old's nimble dancing, dashing appearance, effervescent personality and, yes, his distinctive voice, were in exceptional form.

"I've been singing 50 years, ladies and gentlemen," Bennett kidded before correcting himself. "I'll be honest with you: 60 years!"

It's difficult to imagine that very many of the thousands of gigs he's played were more satisfying than his appearance Saturday.

The first solid evidence that Bennett's voice remains a powerful force was a magnificent reading of "Maybe This Time." His instrument may have deteriorated slightly, but what it's lost in power is more than made up for in emotional resonance. He also employed his signature gimmick: singing from the lip of the stage without amplification. "Fly Me To the Moon" received that special treatment Saturday.

The evening was a sustained string of highlights. The audience of over 1,200 only lost interest during "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," but perhaps the best moment was the achingly romantic introduction to "The Way You Look Tonight," with Bennett accompanied only by guitarist Gray Sargent. It was deeply affecting.

Also particularly memorable was a heartrending reading of "But Beautiful" and an energetic take on "For Once In My Life." The latter song received one of several standing ovations. And, of course, Bennett's longtime fans swooned as he belted out "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."

"Rosemary Clooney and I were the first American idols," Bennett noted.

He emphasized the point with slick dance moves during "They All Laughed" and "The Shadow of Your Smile."

Bennett rightfully took great pride in his fine jazz band. Anchored by drummer Harold Jones, an alumni of Count Basie's band, the quartet provided elegant support. Bassist Jim Hughart, florid pianist Lee Musiker and Sargent showcased their formidable skills during Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone."

"He just had his 110th birthday," Bennett said of the jazz giant.

Unlike Ellington, Bennett might still be drawing breath at that advanced age. The length of his performance -- 75 minutes not including a cameo by his daughter Antonia -- was the only indication that Bennett might be slowing down.

His audience would have happily forgiven him for doing little more than showing up. Yet Bennett pitched every song as if his life depended on a successful sale.

It wouldn't be entirely accurate to suggest that Bennett is the last of the original saloon singers. After all, Kansas City's Marilyn Maye is still around. Yet Bennett clearly represents a rare connection to a rapidly fading past. No matter how successful they become, modern-day crooners like Michael Buble, Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall will never be able to replicate Bennett's sunny innocence.

Recognition of the relentless march of time made Bennett's appearance Saturday all the more rewarding.

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Comments

[VeryKewl]

I did not attend, but may I say?

Thank you BB, for this respectful ( and I believe honest ) review of a national treasure, well done.

May I also add,

thanks to all the Star reporters whom have been publishing thier music reviews so quickly.

We understand it is no small task to attend the event, organise your thoughts and write/quality/publish so quickly, THANK YOU

[Penny]

Nice review. I did not attend, but fed the man in '82 when he performed at the Starlight.

I got my mom and older sister in the show and they loved him. They even met him backstage. He was very sweet and reserved.

Glad he is still at it.

[Anna]

Wow....what an awesome evening! I've heard him many times and he has one of those amazing voices that just gets better with age! It was wonderful being in the presence of a great legend. Unbelieveable night!