Music Review: The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings - Page 2

The duo reveals the powerful spell a simple kiss can cast. Bennett calls forth the passion of lovers from “The Touch of Your Lips,” which bring solace and comfort, much like Evans’ melodies. Later, Bennett tries to warn himself on “My Foolish Heart” about the “line between love and fascination/ That's hard to see on an evening such as this” because he knows when “eager lips combine” that thinking will go out the window.

When in love, time appears to standstill though the moments are actually finite. A reminder is offered in “Some Other Time” from On The Town as both men tug at the heartstrings about not being able to say or get “done half the things I want to.” Later, they revisit the musical with “Lucky To Be Me,” about how a man sees his fortunes change “now that I've found you.” Evans creates a warm tone, exemplifying the narrator’s happiness.

Bennett turns the cad on “When in Rome.” He’s a Continental playboy who admits “taking a brief detour with somebody new,” offering the excuse that “when in Rome/ I do as the Romans do” yet Evans’ jaunty accompaniment makes it hard to stay mad.

“Waltz for Debby,” written by Evans and Gene Lees, is a very touching song looking toward that day when Daddy’s little girl will one day grow up and leave more than her toys behind. On the bridge, Evans’ piano sounds like the accompaniment to a spinning ballerina in a young girl’s jewelry box. They also honor sons with “A Child Is Born.”

Love is also filled with longing and loss. “Make Someone Happy” is one of those “wish I had someone” songs but it offers good advice to find happiness. Evans’ piano sounds somber and serious, cognizant of the guy’s loneliness who is being talked to, but then on the bridge his playing foreshadows the joy to be found.

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  • The Complete Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Recordings The Complete Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Recordings

    The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings features both legendary albums, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album and Together Again, completely remixed and remastered along with exensive rare and alternate material. ...

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