Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool
Tony Bennett · 1999
60 min · 14 tracks · jazz
A lush homage to Ellington's genius, blending smooth vocals with rich orchestral arrangements in a modern jazz setting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Mood Indigo — The arrangement showcases Bennett's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing, capturing the melancholic beauty of Ellington's composition.
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Caravan — This track stands out for its vibrant energy, where Bennett's vocals intertwine with the dynamic instrumentation, creating a lively tribute to Ellington's adventurous spirit.
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I’m Just a Lucky So and So — Bennett's delivery here is particularly charming, blending wistfulness and joy that reflects the song's playful lyrics and Ellington's sophisticated style.
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It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) — This closing track encapsulates the essence of swing music with its infectious rhythm, demonstrating Bennett’s mastery of timing and phrasing amidst an upbeat orchestration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Bennett's smooth vocals paired with rich orchestration create a cohesive homage to Ellington, though it remains within familiar jazz territory.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Bennett's smooth vocal delivery, creating a rich soundscape.
- Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only slight variations in dynamics and intensity throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that showcase the musicianship of the accompanying band, enhancing the overall jazz experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady rhythm for relaxed evenings
- sophisticated ambiance for gatherings
- intimate moments with smooth vocals
- headphone detail in orchestral arrangements
- candlelit dinner background music
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and fast-paced
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album is a significant homage that showcases Bennett's artistry and critical acclaim.
- Themes
- melancholic jazz ballads· nostalgic orchestral arrangements
- Career context
- By 1999, Tony Bennett was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the success of his collaboration with pop artists and a new generation discovering his work. 'Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool' came during this period, following his Grammy-winning album 'Playin' with My Friends' and reinforcing his status as a timeless figure in jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Ella Fitzgerald
Tracklist
- 1 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me Start here 4:01
- 2 Mood Indigo 4:33
- 3 She’s Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good) 4:49
- 4 Caravan 4:36
- 5 Chelsea Bridge 3:59
- 6 Azure 3:56
- 7 I’m Just a Lucky So and So 3:39
- 8 In a Sentimental Mood 3:31
- 9 Don’t Get Around Much More 3:16
- 10 Sophisticated Lady 4:43
- 11 In a Mellow Tone 6:54
- 12 Day Dream 3:56
- 13 Prelude to a Kiss 4:55
- 14 It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) 4:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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