(Photo property of Live Nation)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Throughout his seven decades in the recording industry, Tony Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide, won two Emmy Awards and 19 Grammy Awards. The native New Yorker also received some of the nation’s most prestigious awards including the Kennedy Center Honor, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the National Endowment of the Arts’ Jazz Master title
On Friday, October 6, Tony Bennett performed at his hometown’s most prestigious performing venue: Radio City Music Hall. The sold-out crowd was filled with generations of fans that included baby boomers, Generation X, millennials and several representatives from the digital generation.
The Tony Bennett Quartet set the mood of the evening. The Quartet’s line-up consisted of pianist and Mr. Bennett’s musical director, Billy Stritch, veteran guitarist Gary Sargent, bassist Marshall Wood, and luminary drummer Harold Jones. The Tony Bennett Quartet did brief musical improvisations as the audience continued to shuffle into the legendary auditorium.
Next, the Tony Bennett Quartet were joined by the lovely and talented Ms. Antonia Bennett. Just like her father, Ms. Bennett was a fantastic storyteller, and her vocals engaged the audience throughout her brief set. Her velvet and knockout vocals beautifully filled Radio City Music Hall as she delivered her interpretations of standards such as “Teach Me Tonight” and Brenda Lee’s “Always on My Mind.” She ended her set with Billie Holiday’s “You’re A Lucky Guy,” a song that she dedicated to her iconic father.
After the audience heard Frank Sinatra’s pre-recorded introduction of the native New Yorker, Tony Bennett came out to a massive hero’s welcome as the entire Radio City Music Hall audience erupted with applause and gave him a well-deserved standing ovation. As Tony waved to the crowd with heartfelt gratitude, he dove into the Great American Songbook. Throughout the evening, he performed some of the most iconic songs of the twentieth century including Michel Legrand’s “Watch What Happens” and George and Ira Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” to Fred Astaire’s “I’m Old Fashioned.”
Mr. Bennett also sang some of his most recognizable tunes from his storied career. The songs included “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” which was the very first song that he ever sang and “The Way You Look Tonight,” a track that Tony Bennett first recorded in 1961. He also transformed “Rags to Riches” and “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” into a medley.
One part of the concert that I truly enjoyed was every time that one of the Tony Bennett Quartet members had a solo, Mr. Bennett would walk out next to that band member so that the audience could pay attention to the soloist. A lot of artists (including from my generation) should acknowledge the musicians that perform with them including giving me some solos or recognition.
Mr. Bennett also still has his gift and perfectly showcased that he could still hit those high elongated notes. He perfectly demonstrated that ability during the decrescendo of “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” Also, he also mentioned that he wanted to return to the recording studio and record “The Good Life” with frequent collaborator and friend Lady Gaga. “Isn’t she lovely?” Tony gushed to the audience. He ended his set with standards: “For Once in My Life,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” the somber “Smile,” and the late Louis Armstrong’s “When You’re Smiling.” Before Tony Bennett walked off the Radio City Music Hall stage, he sang a cappella and without a microphone how much he loved the Radio City Music Hall and how much he appreciated them.
Final Thoughts & Grade: Tony Bennett gave one of the best vocal master classes of 2017 at the Radio City Music Hall. He continues to prove that age is not a number as his vocals electrified the auditorium. I will always remember seeing Tony Bennett at Radio City Music Hall for the rest of my life. Bravo, Mr. Bennett and thank you for being a constant beacon of hope for this great nation! A+
