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Two bona fide American icons join forces on Tony Bennett's A Swingin' Christmas. No crooner masters phrasing the way Bennett does, and at 82 years young, his voice remains shockingly good. Bennett still has the magic. Like a glowing hearth as the evening ends, Bennett's instrument possesses fire, warmth, and crackle, as well as enduring charm and undeniable CLASS. And what group is backing up the phenomenal Tony Bennett? None other than the Count Basie Big Band! Although William "Count" Basie left this earth in 1984, his outstanding big band lives on in high jazz style (see www.countbasie.com). The Bennett/Count Basie combo delivers a knock-out punch on A Swingin' Christmas.

I just wish this album were considerably longer. When the 37 minutes slid to a halt, I hated to let go of the music. It is difficult to explain completely the compelling attraction of Bennett's vocals--beyond the fact that he obviously has a sensational jazz voice. His phrasing absolutely fascinates me; Bennett owns every moment of every song. Never arrogant, the tone is one of comfortable confidence, and I hang on every bar. The fully orchestrated pieces are naturally hot; the Count Basie Big Band genuinely smokes throughout. I particularly loved the harmonica fluorishes on All I Want for Christmas Is You. On the quieter pieces, you can pause and fully relish the subtle nuances in Bennett's vocals. For that reason, his rendition of O Christmas Tree, accompanied only by gorgeous piano stylings, blew me away. Outstanding!

If and when I reach 82, if I can move half as well as Tony Bennett can sing, I will likely be signing up for marathons. He's an American treasure, and it's a true pleasure inviting him into my living room this holiday season via A Swingin' Christmas. Thanks a bunch, Tony, and feel free to join me every year!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Executive Producer: Danny Bennett
Produced by: Phil Ramone
Music Director for Mr. Bennett: Lee Musiker
Recorded and Mixed by: Dae Bennett
Recorded at: Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ and Bergen/PAC Theatre, Englewood, NJ
Mixed at: Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ



From the Website:

With the international celebration of his 80th birthday in 2006, amidst the tributes, honors and accolades, the world's most down-to-earth living legend celebrated this milestone the same way he essentially lives his life: enjoying each moment to the fullest, weathering the storms with good cheer and optimism, and connecting to people everywhere through the magic of his music and the power of his art.

"Mr. Bennett," wrote Stephen Holden in The New York Times (August 2, 2006), "has steadfastly remained the embodiment of heart in popular music. He pours it into every note he sings and every phrase he swings with a sophistication that deepens his unguarded emotional directness. In the polluted sea of irony, bad faith and grotesque attitudinizing that pop music has become, he is a rock of integrity."


From www.countbasie.com:

The Basie Orchestra is one of the most thriving big bands in history With 17 Grammy awards, our musicians have grown up with the Kansas City Swing style of Count Basie and add their own voice to the band. With 19 performers, 17 sidemen, 1 vocalist, and 1 bandleader, we've become the premier jazz band. Check out the Kansas City style swing for yourself. Our Orchestra celebrates the big band experience through the completely original and identifiable Count Basie repertoire.

Tony Bennett

A Swingin' Christmas

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Track List