I suspect it would be rank hyperbole to state that Tony Bennett and Bill Evans were soul
mates. No, that would probably be inaccurate. Actually, the two artists had very little in common
aside from the fact that they were both jazz musicians. Bennett--a virile, muscular jazz singer with a
conservative yet extroverted style--shared few obvious things with Evans, who was painfully
shy, introverted, and impressionistic. But that is the beauty of jazz. These two exceptional
musicians came together at the top of their game to record one of the most memorable vocal-piano
duets committed to vinyl. Their 1975 recording has now gone digital.
Fantasy has dusted off The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album and cleaned it up
considerably. One
listen makes one think how little time has diminished the art of Tony Bennett, best illustrated in the
quartet of songs which close the album. "My Foolish Heart" is plaintive and thoughtful.
"Waltz for Debbie," an Evans composition with lyrics by Gene Lees, presents an
opportunity for
Bennett and Evans to become of like mind, settling into one another like scotch and soda. "But
Beautiful" reminds the listener immediately why this song has long been an instrumentalist’s
vehicle. Finally, "Days of Wine and Roses" could not have been captured more perfectly
by anyone else. This is a superb reissue that demands to be heard.
~ C. Michael Bailey
