Tony Bennett cannot get enough of the 'duets' concept. They guy is on round three of pairing himself up with other 'stars' to record old standards. It is a great marketing idea but how much is too much? Do his handlers not think Bennett on his own is marketable?
A classical crooner with decades of time served should be content to sit back and watch the checks accumulate. At this point he shouldn't even need to cash them. When a proper elder gentry continuously offers hook ups with younger talent you cant help but think it a bit creepy. Ok the whole Lady Gaga obsession should be enough but do you think the world could have continued to spin without Tony and Mark Anthony?
Viva Duets is being heralded as the "Latin" inspired release. Oh sweet mother of God if he goes through every genre, can you imagine? Duets and Die, The death core version, Duets and Grind the techno version, Duets and Jig, the Celtic version.. it could go on forever, though I pray it doesn't.
Miguel Bose, Robert Carlos, Ana Carolina, Chayanne, Franco DeVita, Gloria Estefan, Vicente Fernandez, Maria Gadu, Juan Luis Guerra, Dani Martin, Romeo Santos, Thalia and Vicentico, and Im sure 'many more' are taking part in the album which is due out on October 23 via Columbia Records.
The soon to be 86 year old Bennett said the following "Each of these artists were so warm and welcoming that there was an instant rapport. Latin music has always been about melody and harmony and a lot of soul, so there was a very close artistic connection with each duet guest. I am absolutely thrilled about the record."
The following tracks are those recorded so far. Additional tracks will be announced as the release date approaches.
For Once In My Life with Marc Anthony
Don't Get Around Much Anymore with Miguel Bose
The Very Thought of You with Ana Carolina
The Best Is Yet to Come with Chayanne
The Good Life with Franco DeVita
Who Can I Turn To? with Gloria Estefan
Return to Me (Regresa A Mi) with Vicente Fernandez
Blue Velvet with Maria Gadu
Just in Time with Juan Luis Guerra
Are You Havin' Any Fun? with Dani Martin
The Way You Look Tonight with Thalia
Cold, Cold Heart with Vicentico