Tony Bennett
Duets II
Columbia Records
www.columbiarecords.com
By George W. Harris

Ok, so he’s shot himself in the foot with some wacky comments lately about 9-11. Give Tony Bennett a break, he’s four score and 5 years old, yet still sounds great. Sure, his voice is gravelly, but it has an exquisite charm, and his pitch is still faultless. This follow-up to Duets from a few years ago teams him up successfully with a new group of stars and wannabes, mostly with wonderful results.

Biggest surprises are the excellent chops of Lady Gaga, who shows uncanny jazz instincts, on “The Lady Is A Tramp,” and the cozy confidentials of “Blue Velvet” with kd lang. Jazz poser Michael Buble’ does a serviceable job trying to sound grown up on “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” while Bennett woos with Mariah Carey on a wonderful “When Do The Bells Ring For Me.” In what was probably her final recording, the late Amy Winehouse is agonizingly wonderful on a heart on sleeve “Body and Soul.” This one will get you wondering. Faultless production by Phil Ramone makes this part of the iconic Bennett catalogue another must have. Who knows how much longer he’ll go, but judging by this one, he hasn’t gone over the hill yet. Bravo!