The Score

More than any other crooner, Tony Bennett was of the Jazz world. From his early career delivering numerous Jazz standards to this, a landmark meeting of two music legends; Bennett had the utmost respect from the Jazz world.

Widely regarded as one the most influential pianists in Jazz, Bill Evans’ influence and impact cannot be overstated. Tony Bennett is equally considered to have had one of the greatest voices in the business with Frank Sinatra even calling Tony Bennett “the best singer in the business”.

The Tony Bennett and Bill Evans Album was recorded in June of 1975. It is a stripped down performance of “The Great American Songbook” by two great artists; piano and voice. All you are left with is the power of Bennett’s voice, his remarkable diaphragm control and phrasing. Bill Evans is his perfect accompaniment, injecting sorrow or joy into the song depending on the mood. It is refreshing to be able to hear a singer, the quality of Bennett with nothing but a piano behind him because with Evans he doesn’t need anything else. No big band, no strings or horns. It is minimalist and yet full in its sound.

Nine songs feature here, many of are standards and have been recorded by many artists. Bennett and Evans manage to give everything a unique character and the sheer quality evident in both men shines through before you could ever consider the material to be worn out. Mostly, a down-beat mood pervades, with the notable exception of the humorous When in Rome written by Comden/Green/Bernstein.
For reasons I don’t rightly know, it always raises a chuckle.

“When in Spain, for reasons I don’t explain.
I remain enjoying a brew.
Don’t deplore my fondness for fundadore
You know how fundador can lead to a few.
And when in Rome, I do as the Roman’s do.”

Bennett seems more than other singer to be able to vocalise the emotion and feeling present in Evans playing; much in the same way that Johnny Hartman did with John Coltrane on their one perfect outing. Both men raise the other up; if it wasn’t clear how great Tony Bennett was before you hear this, it will be afterwards. Every element of personality that sometimes threatens to overtake the work has been removed, left with nothing but the quality. Nowhere is this clearer than on the staggering version of We’ll Be Together Again. Written by “Old Man Jazz” Frankie Laine and Carl (and his orchestra) Fischer, also performed by Billie Holiday, We’ll Be Together Again defines this album. The subtleties of Bennett’s reading and Evans’ particular nuances give the song room to breathe. A sombre air takes hold firmly here. The placement of When in Rome before this gives it more poignancy. The way in which Bennett phrases, “don’t let temptation surround you/ don’t let the blues make you bad” is given more weight because of the song which preceded it.

The brief moment at the start of The Touch of Your Lips where Tony is out there with nothing but his voice is exquisite. Emphasis is certainly placed on both performers showcasing their talent, albeit in a restricted setting. Evans has moments to shine on piano but Bennett is certainly up front and that’s how you’ll want it because he’s so damn good. In a sense, this album is undeniably restrained; focusing primarily on “The Great American Songbook” as they did. However it would be deceptive to say that this is a shallow or limited experience because having clear boundaries and performing material that is dear to both individuals allows for a familiarity and experience that wouldn’t have been found if a more ambitious project had been attempted. The Tony Bennett and Bill Evans Album is about taking something simple and making something remarkable out of it. They will sway you with nothing except their voice and instrument.

This is the first of two albums that Evans and Bennett recorded. Their second, Together Again was a similarly themed collection of songs recorded and released in late 1977. It doesn’t matter if these songs are overly familiar or if you have no taste for Tony Bennett or vocal jazz in general, this is the exception to the rule.

If you do purchase this album, just make sure to get this version. It has five bonus tracks with alternate versions.

Bill Evans- My Foolish Heart