Jack Jones Paints A Tribute To Tony Bennett

Grammy Nominee:

“Jack Jones Paints A Tribute To Tony Bennett” (Honest OME 1021) was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance

Track Listings:

1. Skylark (Mercer & Carmichael)
2. All My Tomorrows (Cahn & Van Heusen)
3. Rag To Riches (Adler & Ross)
4. I Left My Heart In San Francisco (Cory & Cross)
5. Fly Me To The Moon (Howard)
6. Who Can I Turn To(When Nobody Needs Me) (Bricusse & Newley)
7. Shadow Of Your Smile (Mandel & Webster)
8. Just In Time (Styne, Green & Comden)
9. For Once In My Life (Murden & Miller)
10. It Amazes Me (Coleman & Leigh)
11. You Must Believe In Spring (Legrand, Demy & Bergmans)
12. Because Of You (Wilkinson & Hammerstein)
13. The Good Life (Reardon & Distel)
14. One For My Baby (Arlen & Mercer)

Album Info:

On his latest release for Honest Entertainment, Jack Jones Paints A Tribute To Tony Bennett, Jones pays homage to a friend and an American icon. He counts Bennett among those vocalists who most influenced his style (a small but elite group that includes Mel Torme, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstine, and Frank Sinatra). Professional relationship aside, Jones and Bennett have been friends since their meeting at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel in the late 60’s when Jones attended the last show of Bennett’s engagement at the Empire Room, before opening in the same room the following night.
Of his tribute album, which features some of Bennett’s signature songs, Jones says, This album is my way or saying thanks to a dear friend, ” In selecting songs for this album, he chose three of his personal Bennett favorites, “Skylark”, “Shadow Of Your Smile” and “You Must Believe In Spring”.

Credits:

Produced by Carl Tatz
Executive Producer: Jim Long
Piano: Mike Renzi
Bass: Craig Nelson
Drums: Jimmy Blakemore
Arranged by Mike Renzi
All Songs Formatted and Routines Done by Jack Jones & Mike Renzi
Cover by Sally Huss
Recorded July 14-16 1998

Reviews:

“Jack Jones, on this CD, is singing with his guard down. His improvisational heart is therefore able to express its many ideas. ”
– Jonathan Schwartz, WQEW, New York, NY

“…a unique, gifted and versatile singer .. in his best form … This is the album his fans have been begging him for, a work of deep sincerity and impeccable taste. Why did he wait so long?”
– Rex Reed, On The Town, New York Observer

“Tribute is nothing short of magnificent … long overdue … look forward to more!”
– Fred Hall, “Swing Thing” Syndicated Radio Program (US/Canada/UK/Australia)

“Album… is simply superb! … It’s impossible to single out any track as best … they are all outstanding. Jack’s voice is in top form … strong contender for best vocalist”
– Mark Fox, England’s Tony Bennett Appreciation Society

“We’re playing the hell out of it … and audience loves it!”
– Alan Rock, WHOO, Orlando, FL

“So intimate … feels like you’re eavesdropping on Jack’s salute to Tony”
– Roger Munyon, WMJH, Grand Rapids, MI

“Vocals are phrased superbly … Summons up the blue smoke and last-call ambiance of a… Manhattanjazzjoint”
– Bobert Oermann, Music Row Magazine

“Jack … at his most superlative … delivers these Bennett chestnuts with sensitivity (and) makes these songs his own!”
– Bob Shaw, WLAM, Portland, ME

“This album is one of the best I’ve heard this year.
– Kate Malloch, Canadian Broadcasting Co.

“…on the Tribute album … your concept works, sounds great, looks great and is receiving a wonderful response … because of its fine taste and quality”
– Brooks Arthur

“Jones’ high level of musicianship … cuts through to the essentials of the tunes”
– Johnny Adams, CD Pick of the Week, Monterey County Post

“Personable, introspective, delightful and very romantic”
– Bo Lewis, WNAV, Annapolis, MD

“This one’s going to stay in my personal collection for a long time”
– Laura Emrich, Chicago Sun Times

“Jack Jones is admired in jazz circles due to ‘great pipes’… and sounds great on these timeless tunes. ”
– George Fendel, Jazz Scene

“A vibrant crooner!”
– Oscar Groomes, O’s Place

“A sure-fire hit!”
– Douglas Leclair, KPLR in San Diego, CA

“When you have a marvelous instrument coupled with warmth and sensitivity to the story you’re telling, you have it all. Just listen…”
– Alan & Marilyn Bergman

“Warm and intimate … Jack Jones has never sounded better…”
– Chick Watkins, Westwood One Radio Network

“This is a truly brilliant CD … Jack’s friend Tony should be proud.” – H. Edwin Smith, Columnist at United News Service

“Thank you! Jack has always been good – here he’s great!”
– Jack Simpson, Host: “Jazz on the Beach” on WFIT Melbourne, FL & WUCF Orlando, FL