Tony Bennett with Amy Winehouse. There are two videos below with young stars that Bennett performed duets with. Amy is one, and Lady Gaga is the other. You Tube
This is a review of the film The Zen of Bennett, and we begin with two videos that show Tony Bennett performing with two young singers. The film includes a number of collaborations with Tony, but these are among the best: Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga with the blue hair:
Tony Bennett was 85 when this documentary was made in 2012. I am a huge fan of Tony B. When I bought my first serious “Hi-Fi” setup with big boy speakers, the first album I acquired was “the Essential Tony Bennett.” I nearly wore it out.
The documentary the Zen of Tony Bennett is not a biography. It is a fine, thoughtful film about the art and the soul of music as presented through the prism of Tony’s life and career. Tony’s son Danny produced the movie, and the direction was by Unjoo Moon. I especially loved the parts when Tony collaborates with other singers and musicians. The interactions are delightful and fascinating although not always fun. We learn about how he creates his musical magic, and especially wonderful were the parts (videos above) with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
Tony was so gentle and understanding with the labile and emotional Amy that you could see her performance gradually turn to sparkle as he edged her on through a soulful version of “Body and Soul.” She, of course, died tragically in her 20’s.
Lady Gaga is such a vivacious and effervescent performer that you must smile and maybe even cry with happiness when you watch her interact with Tony in “The Lady is a Tramp.”
Tony talks about his painting and he explains how he feels about art, music, people and life itself. His creative process is fascinating as he explains what he has learned over the years and whom he has associated with. We get to meet John Mayer, Nora Jones, (who is so good with him,) Carrie Underwood, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, and Aretha Franklin, among others.
The cinematography is superb, although some of the artsy footage is a bit much such as scenes that contain views seen through an eyeball.
This movie is available on Netflix. Don’t miss it.
Paul Goldfinger @ Blogfinger.net
Bonus:
Tony Bennett with pianist Bill Evans, c. 1975. “My Foolish Heart”
I am re-posting this since it was originally published over one year ago because of Lady Gaga’s wonderful performance in “A Star is Born.” You can compare her role with Tony Bennett, performing his kind of music, with her musical talents in the movie illustrating her professional growth. She is so talented!