Despite his associations on record and in person with Count Basie and other jazz people, I’m sure Tony Bennett would never claim to be a jazz singer. As an interpreter of superior popular songs, he is one of the best. Bill Evans on the other hand is unquestionably one of the finest jazz pianists to emerge in the past twenty years. It is doubtful whether Bennett has ever had a finer accompanist, one who cushions and coaxes, making his singing seem better than it is. As the two have been friends for some years, it was inevitable that at some time they should meet in the recording studio. The result is a superior album for the wee small hours (unless, like me you prefer Billie at that time) with some superbly delicate piano interludes, and some pleasant but not exceptional singing.
Anyone familiar with Evans’ repertoire will notice that he’s recorded most of those songs over the years, and of course wrote Waltz For Debby. Most are well known without being worked to death, and I’m sure the album will appeal to Bennett fans, who might even be persuaded to seek out some more Bill Evans.
Discography
Young And Foolish; The Touch Of Your Lips; Some Other Time; When In Rome; We’ll Be Together Again (20 min) – My Foolish Heart; Waltz For Debbie; But Beautiful; Days Of Wine And Roses (14¾ min)
Tony Bennett (vcl); Bill Evans (pno). Berkeley, Calif., 10-13/6/75.
(Fantasy FT 527)
