Wonderful World

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang have created a wonderful tribute to the music made famous by Louis Armstrong with their new CD, A Wonderful World, on Columbia. Recorded live and mixed at Bennett Studios in New Jersey, the chemistry between the two vocalists and the spontaneity of a real jazz record is present in every line. The elegant support of Mr. Bennett's touring quartet, led by Lee Musiker, the tasteful interplay of Scott Hamilton's sax, and Peter Matz's orchestrations all contribute to make this an outstanding collection. Reminiscent of the great Ella and Louie collaborations, A Wonderful World succeeds on many levels simultaneously.

Louis Armstrong defined jazz singing -- possibly for all time. He selected simple pop vehicles, well represented by this collection of twelve, and interpreted them with such feeling and individuality that they became classic. Lang and Bennett have reinterpreted them here, with respect to Satchmo, and a deep understanding of the romance and harmonic sophistication required in a real work of art. Particularly the bossa nova treatment of "La Vie En Rose" illustrates how the elegant combination of the subtlety of Gray Sargent's guitar, the sensitive duet vocals of the two stars and Matz's subtle string orchestrations combine to form a timeless romantic version of a great classic song. Each selection on this CD works, in its own way, equally as well.

What makes a great jazz record? Swing, that elusive rhythmic feeling that makes your heart dance and your breath a little short is the first and most meaningful answer. Bennett and lang swing like crazy from the first notes they sing. The opening line of "Exactly Like You," by Fields and McHugh, drops into the pocket and both stars keep the groove on for all twelve tracks. Lang's vocal on the bridge to "A Kiss To Build A Dream On" displays her subtle sense of time, supported by Paul Langosch's two-beat bass with just a hint of a walk. The interplay between the musicians on this date is ideal.

Jazz music is about personal expression and the effective interaction between equals. While Tony Bennett may have no living equal in this idiom, he and k. d. lang clearly admire and respect each other's talent. This admiration and affection comes through in every duet. Mr. Bennett made his bones in the big band era. His career spans five decades of American popular music and jazz. Along with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bobby Darin, Mr. Bennett has shaped and defined jazz singing. Lang inherits the Patsy Cline tradition with style and grace. In fact, in the new year she's scheduled to release a Patsy Cline tribute record.

Since Ralph Sharon, Mr Bennett's long time accompanist retired, Lee Musiker has been his musical director and pianist. Clayton Cameron, a brilliant young drummer, Paul Langosch on bass, and Gray Sargent on guitar round out one of the most harmonically interesting and subtle rhythm units since the King Cole Trio.

By David W. Morgan