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TARGET EXCLUSIVE CD AND BONUS DVD
DUETS CD: Has all of the duets of the regular Duets CD, PLUS this Target Exclusive CD contains four previously unreleased bonus duets with Diana Krall (Ive Got the World on a String), Michael Bublé (Steppin Out With My Baby), Judy Garland (I Left My Heart In San Francisco) and Frank Sinatra (The Lady is a Tramp).
MAKING DUETS DVD: Bonus DVD includes seven videos with behind-the-scenes vignettes. The DVD, which runs about 21 minutes, shows film clips on recording sessions and interviews featuring producer Phil Ramone, Tony Bennett with Bono, Dixie Chicks, Michael Bublé, Elton John, John Legend and also cameo appearances of Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall.
Perfecting the art of excellence for over six decades, with 105 albums selling over 50 million copies, Tony Bennett has come to represent the essence of elegance, tradition and artistic accomplishments. Tony celebrates his 80th birthday recording duets of his greatest hits with todays greatest artists: Bono, Michael Bublé, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion, Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Legend, Paul McCartney, Tim McGraw, George Michael, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder.
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Batteries Included: 0
Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0828768873625
Feature: Contains 4 Target exclusive, previously unreleased bonus duets with Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra
Label: Sony Special Products
Manufacturer: Sony Special Products
Number Of Discs: 2
Publication Date: 2006
Publisher: Sony Special Products
Release Date: 2006-09-26
Studio: Sony Special Products
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Features
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Contains 4 Target exclusive, previously unreleased bonus duets with Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra
Making Duets DVD includes 7 videos with behind-the-scenes vignettes
Includes Bono, Michael Bublé, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion, Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel, Elton John, Juanes, Diana Krall, k.d. lang
Also includes John Legend, Paul McCartney, Tim McGraw, George Michael, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: An American classic
Comment:
Tony Bennett is the best, and the songs are great
Customer Rating:
Summary: At 80, Tony Bennett Still Shines!
Comment:
"I've introduced some wonderful songs that now have become part of the American Musical Landscape." ~ Tony Bennett ~
At eighty, Tony Bennett still shines and this recording is a testament plain and simple! With an impressive line-up of guests and their awesome performances, this 80th birthday offering is a blast and truly a magnificent musical landscape. According to him, this is a brainchild of his son who came up with the most wonderful concept of singing with all these contemporary artists.
The CD Special Edition has four bonus tracks that include duets with Diana Krall (I've Got The World On A String), Michael Bublé (Steppin' Out With My Baby), Judy Garland (I Left My Heart In San Francisco) and Frank Sinatra (The Lady Is A Tramp). The bonus DVD about the making of "Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic," which runs about 21 minutes, shows film clips on recording sessions and interviews featuring producer Phil Ramone, Tony Bennett with Bono, Dixie Chicks, Michael Bublé, Elton John, John Legend and also cameo appearances of Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall.
I have transcribed some of the nicest things they say about the birthday celebrant.
"Tony Bennett is adored by young people. He's the real thing." ~ Phil Ramone ~
"There are no boundaries to his music. He's the coolest guy on the planet. He still sings amazingly at 80, incredible!" ~ Elton John ~
"He never leaves his platform open to something else. He doesn't change his line of clothes just to appeal to a pop culture. He's a pop culture. ~ Phil Ramone ~
"He's the master of picking songs. He understands and religious about how a great song should be portrayed. ~ Bono ~
"He doesn't play any musical instrument, he's the instrument." ~ Phil Ramone ~
This recording has the backing of two of the finest arrangers/conductors, Jorge Calandrelli (Orchestra) and Torrie Zito (Brass Section), and Tony Bennett Quartet: Lee Musiker (piano), Paul Langosch (bass), Harold Jones (drums) and Gray Sargent (guitar). There's a dazzling attraction in each of the tracks and all his guest artists contributed their par excellence performances to make this album truly remarkable and probably the best gift for him on his 80th birthday.
It's hard to choose my personal favorites - each performance has something wonderful to offer and I love them all but I have to select somehow. So here are my top choices.
"Smile" - a fabulous duet with Barbra Streisand highlighting its stunning and emotive violin solo. I'm so moved by the stellar interpretation and awe-inspiring arrangement of this gem of a song. This is probably the most uplifting song ever written.
"Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear maybe ever so near."
"Because Of You" - This is one of many great songs he recorded with k.d. lang. Do you hear that familiar ear-catching sound of trumpet? None other than the trumpeter-extraordinaire, Chris Botti.
"Lullaby Of Broadway" - he sings with the Dixie Chicks in a swinging fashion so full of zest and heartiness. I just love this version and the Dixie Chicks have really impressed me on this.
"The Very Thought Of You" - With Paul McCartney. They both sparkle as they exchange a charming musical conversation. Listen to that hauntingly beautiful bridge.
"How Do You Keep The Music Playing?" - I'll always remember George Michael for his hit song and my favorite "Careless Whisper." They sing with an aching tenderness that makes it so faithful to the lyrics and melody as well.
"Just In Time" - An exuberant and swingy duet with Michael Bublé. Both are in high spirits now that they've "found love just in time and changed their lonely lives that lovely day."
"Put On A Happy Face" - I've heard that familiar heartwarming whistle again from James Taylor just like he did in "My Romance." They surely showed an infectious cheerfulness all throughout the song.
"Cold, Cold Heart" - a great duet with Tim McGraw. Isn't it amazing how some songs that we didn't care about in the past become relatively significant to us just because these songs speak of our experiences in life?
"In anger unkind words are said
That make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart."
"For Once In My Life" - the genius of harmonica, Stevie Wonder, shows off his artistry. In my opinion, he shares the trophy with Toots Thielemans for the best harmonica players of all-time.
"The Shadow Of Your Smile" - I've never heard of Juanes until now. I'm so impressed with their gorgeous duet that is almost like a serenade and with Spanish lyrics at that! "La sombra de tu amo en mi soña."
"Steppin' Out With My Baby" - another jazzy and swingy duet with today's most-raved-about singer, Michael Bublé. They showed the same enthusiasm and ardor in "Just In Time."
"I Wanna Be Around" - an awesome pairing with Bono, a singer with a remarkable voice whom Tony Bennett described as "a beautiful human being who's doing so much for the world."
"The Lady Is A Tramp" - a remarkable duet with the legendary Frank Sinatra recorded in 1988 at Bally's Grandstand in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
"I've Got The World On A String" - bonus track that was recorded live with Diana Krall at the Tanglewood Music Festival. She sings ...
"I've got the song that I sing
I can make the rain go
Anytime I move my finger
Lucky me, can't you see
I've got to sing with Tony Bennett."
This recording will really delight you with the outstanding conversations-set-to-music between the birthday celebrant, Tony Bennett, and his impressive line-up of guest artists. So listen now and experience a beautiful and an enjoyable musical landscape.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
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