Tony Bennett & Diana Krall Love Is Here To Stay

Tony Bennett & Diana Krall
Love Is Here To Stay
Verve Records/Columbia Records

While Diana Krall recorded duets with Tony Bennett (who just turned 92) for Bennett's duets recordings, this celebration of the music of Tony Bennett is their first full album together. It also is a celebration of the George Gershwin songbook and issued on the 120th Anniversary of Gershwin's birth. The 14 performances were recorded with The Bill Charlap Trio (Bill Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums). 

Tony Bennett's voice perhaps is a tad frayed and not quite as supple as it once was, he remains a master song stylist. On the opening "S'Wonderful," Krall's sultry singing and the rapport between two produce a delightful track. Furthermore, Bennett still retains so much of his voice as heard on a superb "Nice Work If You Can Get It," as well as the trading of lyrics on "Love Is Here To Stay." In addition to the charm of the two, the Charlap trio's backing is sublime as on "I Got Rhythm." Bennett's phrasing certainly adds weight to his vocal on "I've Got a Crush OnYou," while she responds with congenial warmth. "Fascinating Rhythm," which was the first song Bennett recorded decades ago, is effervescently performed.

There are some solo selections, including Krall's superb reading of "How Long Has This Been Going On," with Kenny Washington's use of brushes and Charlap's wonderful accompaniment. I believe this a bonus selection for CDs purchased from Target stores, as is Bennett's vocal on "Oh, Lady Be Good." As indicated, the rapport between them is evident throughout the performances on this captivating recording.

I received as a download to review from a publicist. This review appeared in the January-February 2018 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 382), although I have made minor changes to the review as published. Here the two perform "S'Wonderful," on the Tonight Show.