Tony Bennett & Diana Krall (vocals); Bill Charlap (piano); Peter Washington (bass); Kenny Washington (drums).
(Review by Lance).
The opening track says it all - 'S Wonderful!
How could it not be? Bennett may be 92 but, to my ears, he's jazzier now than he was when he was 32! Gone is the bel canto of his early years, now it's more of a Rod Stewart croak which, incidentally, is probably the greatest compliment I'll ever pay Rod Stewart. The 2018 voice has a quality that comes across as being more emotionally involved with the lyrics than it once was. Back then, it always sounded to me as if he wasn't so much singing to the audience but, rather, counting them.
Just as Sinatra's voice lost much of its magic in the September of his years, Bennett's has created its own mystical formula in the, dare I say it?, November of his years.
As for Krall, then surely she is in her vocal prime. The pair of them duetting seamlessly on 10 of the 14 tracks (they each have a couple of solo outings) make age differences irrelevant.
Diana doesn't play piano on the album, that's left in the more than capable hands of Bill Charlap who, along with the unrelated Washingtons - first callers both - lays down the perfect backdrop as well as coining some fine solos.
All the songs are by the Gershwins - end of story!
I'm unlikely to hear a better vocal album by a duo this year.
Lance.
'S Wonderful; My One and Only;But Not For Me (DK); Nice Work if You Can Get it; Love is Here to Stay; I Got Rhythm; Somebody Loves Me; Do it Again; I've Got a Crush on You; Fascinating Rhythm; They Can't Take That Away From Me; Who Cares? (TB); How Long Has This Been Going on? (DK); Oh Lady be Good (TB).
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