Tony Bennett records his first holiday CD in forty years since his 1968 release of “SNOWFALL,” and this latest project, “TONY BENNETT: A SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS Featuring The Count Basie Big Band,” is destined to become an annual favorite of the season.
Featuring 11 tracks, Tony swings such classics as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and the CD introduces his daughter, Antonia, who duets with Tony on “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” Phil Ramone, who has worked with Bennett on several of his recent outings including the multi-platinum “Duets: An American Classic,” produced the CD. Danny Bennett, Tony’s son and manager, is Executive producer. The recording and mixing was handled by Bennett’s son, Dae Bennett, owner of Bennett Studios. The CD will be available everywhere on October 14 on RPM Records/Columbia Records.
“TONY BENNETT: A SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS” was recorded live on the stage of Bergen Pac in Englewood, N.J., keeping with Bennett’s mandate to embrace the live aspect of performing in the recording process. The Count Basie Orchestra joined Bennett for the sessions and jazz pianist Monty Alexander took on the role of Count Basie at piano. 2009 NEA Jazz Master recipient Toots Thielemans also makes a guest appearance on the recording. “TONY BENNETT: A SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS” is available in the following formats: CD, a deluxe CD/DVD fan edition featuring the recording of the album and a holiday card package including 10 holiday cards with artwork by Tony Bennett plus the CD, and a deluxe CD/DVD fan edition plus a bonus holiday card painted by Tony Bennett.
As a bonus, here is Tony singing a couple of Christmas tunes, one classic and the other new, Merry Christmas!
Tony Bennett singing “White Christmas”
Tony Bennett singing “A Christmas Love Song”
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I am the same age as Tony Bennett, 84. Born 6-16-25. During WW II, I was in Graves Registration, landing in Normandy on D-Day and Battle of the Bulge. I understand Tony was relegated to Graves Registration as punishment for associating with a black man toward end of war in Europe.
I have produced two documentaries about FREEDOM with history teachers and combat veterans of the campaigns listed above. They are being aired on 90 PBS stations presently and for the next two years. The Lesson is Priceless and Memories of France.
Planning a third documentary about the Eighth Air Force operations from England in WW II called Rememberin the Mighty Eighth.
Would like to contact Danny Bennett, please. Thank you
Met Tony Bennett at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles on his and my late wife’s birthday, Aug. 3, 1960. Have been a fan since he sang “Cold, Cold Heart” late 40’s. George Ciampa
The proposed film I just talked about is “Remembering the Mighty Eighth.” Referring to the Eighth Air Force that had 28,000 men KIA and 56.000 casualties. They flew daylight bombing sorties over German targets. I am sure Tony remembers the planes of the Eighth….many B-17s P-51s and others. The Air Force was glamorous, but flying 30 missions as they were required to do resulted in all those dead. 10 or 11 guys were in those bombers and 75% were either killed, missing in action, wounded or taken prisoner.
Danny Bennett, please contact me. Thank you.