Strike Up the Band
Tony Bennett · 1959
38 min · 14 tracks · jazz
A vibrant collaboration of swinging jazz rhythms and soulful vocals that captures the essence of Broadway and classic American songbook.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its playful yet melancholic lyrics, demonstrating Bennett's ability to convey emotion through phrasing.
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April in Paris — Bennett's rendition of this classic showcases his smooth vocal delivery against Basie's lush orchestration, creating a captivating atmosphere that embodies romance.
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I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face — This track highlights Bennett's interpretative skills, bringing depth to the lyrics while perfectly complementing Basie's rich musical backdrop.
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Anything Goes — With its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics, this song illustrates Bennett's charisma and ability to engage with lively material, making it a standout performance.
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 Basie's orchestral arrangements create a vibrant jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks, such as 'Lester Leaps In', showcase extended instrumental solos, allowing the band to shine alongside Bennett's vocals.
- The first half of the album maintains a lively tempo, while the latter half includes slower ballads that create a contrast in mood.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- smooth vocals for relaxed moments
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- consistent melodies throughout listening
- playful tunes for lighthearted vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- seek heavy emotional intensity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a transition to sophisticated jazz collaborations for Bennett.
- Themes
- big band elegance· swinging nightlife· New York jazz scene
- Career context
- In 1959, Tony Bennett was transitioning into a new phase of his career, moving from popular hits to more sophisticated jazz collaborations. 'Strike Up the Band' marked his first full-length studio album with the Count Basie Orchestra, showcasing his versatility and solidifying his presence in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Ella Fitzgerald
Tracklist
- 1 I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans Start here 1:43
- 2 Jeepers Creepers 2:07
- 3 Growing Pains 3:38
- 4 I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face 3:01
- 5 April in Paris 2:43
- 6 Are You Having Any Fun? 2:45
- 7 Broadway 3:22
- 8 Chicago 2:06
- 9 Poor Little Rich Girl 3:29
- 10 Lester Leaps In 4:04
- 11 Life Is a Song 2:55
- 12 Anything Goes 2:19
- 13 Out of the Window 2:52
- 14 With Plenty of Money and You 1:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Come Fly with Me
Frank Sinatra
Shares the same lush orchestration and sophisticated themes of travel and romance.
Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife
Ella Fitzgerald
Captures a vibrant live jazz atmosphere with smooth vocals and big band arrangements.
April in Paris
Count Basie
Features similar swinging big band elegance and showcases dynamic orchestral arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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