TV Show Preview: Great Performances – – Tony Bennett: Duets II on PBS Friday, 1/27 PBS
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Preview: “Great Performances — Tony Bennett: Duets II,” PBS-TV, 1/27/12, 9:00 P.M.
Set your DVRs, Seattle-area folks, or better yet, snuggle up with your sweetie in front of the warm glow of your TV set with a glass of your favorite libation this Friday night, January 27th, because there will be a real treat waiting for you at 9PM PST on KCTS9. The PBS series “Great Performances” has produced in “Tony Bennett: Duets II” a delightful behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the iconic 85-year-old singer’s chart-topping Grammy-nominated album of 2011, entertaining and inspirational for all viewers.
The 90-minute program is beautifully filmed from recording locations all over the world, and is something of a “video jukebox,” with full live studio performance clips of every song on the “Duets II” album. Commentary from Bennett, the modern-day megawatt artists who were clearly thrilled to be working with him on the project, and producer Phil Ramone perfectly complements the musical segments. The gracious and warm ultimate pro Bennett remains in top voice, and watching him work with such a wide range of artists is fascinating. He seems to be effortlessly able to relax the often-nervous collaborators while simultaneously inspiring them to a new and often surprising level of performance on some of the greatest songs from the standards catalogue. Star egos were completely dropped at the door, and we are able to witness the natural joy of musical expression.
Tony Bennett
All the songs on “Duets II” were performed live with the artists gathered in the same room rather than isolating each musician or “phoning in” the tracks, as it was done in the “old days” of recording. The understated, elegant backing of Bennett’s superb jazz quartet provides a perfect foundation for the vocalists to launch from, and as the program goes on you are drawn in more and more, curious to see the differences and interactions between Bennett and his duet picks. Here are my mini-reviews of each performance:
–“One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” (John Mayer): I’ve never heard Mayer sing better. There’s no doubt that he came in wanting to do his best, and his jitters are rather charming (and productive), too.
–“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” (Michael Bublé): Bublé has the standards feel down pat, and his smooth, Sinatra-tinged style plays well against Bennett’s grittier tone.
Michael Bublé & Tony Bennett
Read more…
Show Preview: 2012 Sasquatch Music Festival Launch Party @ the Neptune, Th. 2/2
The lineup for the 2012 Sasquatch Music Festival will be announced on Thursday, February 2nd at a special launch party at the Neptune. They’ve got an excellent show planned for the evening as well, with Junip, Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws and The Physics. Tix are only $15 each, and it’s all ages! Doors at 7 P.M. and show at 8.P.M. This year’s festival will be from May 25-28th at the Gorge.
Junip – photo by Johanna Hedborg
The Physics
MP3 Downloads: Yoko Ono, Run Dan Run & Crown Point
Yoko Ono‘s classic, “Give Me Something,” gets a makeover in this “reinvention.” I always had a soft spot for the original version. Sure, this remix came out a while ago but it just might be new to you. Enjoy.
Cover art for “Give Me Something” (Sparks Reinvention)
Give Me Something (Sparks Reinvention).mp3
Charleston, South Carolina’s Run Dan Run share two songs, “Box-Type Love” and “Love Sick Animal,” from their album Normal. Normal is the band’s debut full-length, and these two songs reveal a promising sound.
Box-Type Love.mp3
Love Sick Animal.mp3
Run Dan Run – photo by Megan Elger
“And the princess sleeps with wolves. . .,” sing Portland’s Crown Point in their lovely song, “Wolves.” I really like this song. It’s very cool sounding. The group is working on their first album, right now.
Crown Point – photo by Russell Stafford
Show Previews: WAR @ Jazz Alley, Th.-Sun. 3/26 – 3/29; Alice in the River, Panama Gold & Vox Maquinista @ the Crocodile Bar, Th. 1/26
Tonight, Thursday the 26th WAR begins a 4-night stay at Seattle’s Jazz Alley. We’re thrilled WAR has returned, and having covered the band last year, it will be exciting again to see what they do for this visit. A socially smart band, WAR captures so many genres from funk to blues. Here’s a cool teaser video of what you can expect.
WAR – photo by Marianne Spellman
For more information and tickets go right over here.
Over at the Crocodile there’s a solid local bill with Alice in the River and Panama Gold. It also features a band named Vox Maquinista, whom I am told is jazz with electronic beats. Sounds like a nice variety bill – and I love that kind of thing indeed. This show will be held in the Crocodile’s back bar, which will be opened up pretty much anytime there’s not a show in the bigger, main Crocodile. A very good idea and way for local bands to spread their wings.
Photos: The Grizzled Mighty @ the Rendezvous
The Grizzled Mighty rules. Don’t ever doubt that for one pounding rock-filled moment. Spokane will get The Grizzled Mighty treatment tomorrow night (lucky, lucky Spokane) and they should go down super well there. Seattle gets them next on February 15th at the wonderful Tractor. But. Seattle’s Rendezvous had them for New Year’s last month, for a show that blew my mind. They always blow my mind. Another big thanks to the beautiful Damien Goyenechea for contributing shots. Photos:
The Grizzled Mighty – photo by Damien Goyenechea
The Grizzled Mighty – photos by Dagmar
The Grizzled Mighty – photos by Damien Goyenechea
The Grizzled Mighty – photos by Dagmar
The Grizzled Mighty – photos by Damien Goyenechea
The Grizzled Mighty – photo by Dagmar