Tony Bennett w/ Antonia Bennett
Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA
11.01.16
What do you believe you will be doing if you are alive at 90 years old? Whatever it is, Tony Bennett has you beat. From performing duets with today’s biggest pop stars, to being named “Best Jazz Singer” by Downbeat magazine, to touring the world and selling out theaters, Mr. Bennett does not show any signs of slowing down. The man himself took over Seattle’s Benaroya Hall for a night of effortless magic.
Opening the night with a few jazz standards was the Tony Bennett Quartet: Billy Strich (Piano), Gray Sargent (Guitar), Marshall Wood (Bass), and Count Basie’s favorite drummer, Harold James. Refined, tight, professional, and smooth are only a few adjectives I would use to describe this group of wonderfully talented musicians.
After getting the capacity crowd warmed up, Antonia Bennett – daughter of the great singer – came out to sing a few songs. She had the graciousness of her father coupled with a voice straight from Broadway. In addition, she proved to be very versatile, switching between swing, samba, bossa nova, and soul. It is not an easy task to open for a living legend, but she handled it very well.
A familiar voice came over the crowd to introduce Bennett as “the greatest singer on Earth,” the voice of Ol’ Blue Eyes, Mr. Frank Sinatra. That set the tone for an unforgettable evening of music that spanned a career of more than 65 years. Bennett came out swinging, showing his chops by hitting notes that other seasoned singers can’t approach. Memorable songs included George Gershwin’s “Who Could Ask For Anything More,” the always swingin’ “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and the incomparable “The Way You Look Tonight.” One has to wonder how many high school romances, proposals, first dances at weddings, and romantic moments in general have started with a Tony Bennett song?
Toward the end of the evening, everyone was waiting for his song; every great has one. Sinatra had “My Way,” Dean Martin had “That’s Amore,” Bobby Darin had “Mack The Knife.” Mr. Bennett’s is, of course, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” As soon as he uttered the first lyrics, the crowd erupted. A standing ovation at the end and one would figure the show is over. Not for this sly man. Bennett came back out to three standing ovations and we thought that the true end of his show would be “The Good Life” (which he recorded with Lady Gaga and jokingly said she did it because she obviously needed the money). But it didn’t stop there.
The end came finally, and casually, when he placed his microphone on the piano, walked to center stage and proceeded to belt out a rendition of “Fly Me To The Moon” with only his voice. He filled the theater so effortlessly. I was in awe, as I could hear him clear as day from the back of the theater.
Tony Bennett showed the grace, class, and gratitude of a man who has achieved the kind of success only few could ever dream. It was obvious he is now just enjoying the ride, leaving his heart in every city that is fortunate to have him.
Review by photos by Phillip Johnson
Tony Bennett
Antonia Bennett
