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Still packing concert halls and receiving standing ovations, Tony Bennett gives a gracious nod to his music director
and accompanist, pianist Billy Stritch. The sold-out concert kicked off Bennett's latest tour at Harrah's Southern California.
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, is still cookin' on 90th birthday tourSome day, when I'm awfully low When the world is cold I will feel a glow just thinking of you And the way you look tonight......
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and archival shots
AS HE HEADS TOWARD 91, Tony Bennett is not letting any grass grow under his entertainer's feet.
The veteran crooner has spent nearly 70 years in show business. Just days ago, he performed two back-to-back concerts, an energetic 90-minute show near San Diego, to kick off his 90th Birthday Tour, then another sell-out in San Jose. The pair of venues were Harrah's Southern California, and City National Civic, where Bennett introduced his world-class quartet to a pair of packed houses, and gave generous shows that seemed as much love songs, as concerts. They were love songs to the audience -- several generations of fans who have enjoyed his music through the years.
HE SANG many of his hits -- "Just the
Way You Look Tonight," "Watch What Happens," "Our Love Is Here to Stay," "They All Laughed," "Teach Me Tonight," and more. Bennett was in fine form on stage, as we saw in the tour opener, at Harrah's Rincon in southern California.
He effortlessly crooned classics like “The Good Life,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Sing You Sinners” and his signature "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."
EARLIER CONCERTS we'd enjoyed with him and Lady Gaga featured standards including “Bang Bang,” and Billy Strayhorn's beautiful “Lush Life.” and a bouncy “Firefly,” which Bennett joined. He steered clear of those classics this time, perhaps saving them for another tour with his friend Gaga, who considers him a mentor and father figure. (We can only hope for a reunion for their collaboration is genius.) When a fan shouted, " "When are you touring with Gaga again?" he said, "Who knows?" Then he added with a wink, "I've heard she needs the money!" He played several elegant tunes with Gray Sargent on guitar, and introduced him along with Count Basie's favorite drummer, Harold Jones, and gifted bass player Marshall Wood. All seemed to be relishing their time on stage with the master. His arranger, music director and pianist Billy Stritch was in his element, proving why he is one of the most sought after pianists in the business. NEAR THE SHOW's finale, Bennett did a touching version of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," blowing kisses as he left the stage -- and returned for a couple more encore pieces. He blew a final farewell kiss and waved to the audience when a fan shouted, "You know we love you, Tony." TONY BENNETT'S CONCERT DATES:
UP NEXT: We've climbed bridges on several continents,
but never our own. That changed on a recent trip to Vancouver. We climbed several beautifully designed cliff walks and a famous suspension bridge, taking a hypnotizing tour of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This British Columbia landmark offers nature walks and talks, eco tours, rainforests, a treehouse like no other and the challenging bridge, much loved by tourists and locals alike. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekends when we post anew our reflections on lively travel, arts and nature-driven adventure.
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What a glorious night.
ReplyDeleteLovely interpretation of fun evening. We saw the Tony-Gaga show in NYC. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHeard Tony and Gaga in London on their world tour. Have tickets for his New Orleans date. Great story.
ReplyDelete