Iconic jazz crooner Tony Bennett has no plans for slowing down anytime soon. The New York native, who took up a singing career after serving in World War II, has pumped out dozens upon dozens of albums over the decades while earning a reputation as the best singer in the business -- at least according to fellow singers like the late Frank Sinatra.
He's adding more to his vast catalog this year. Thought to be lost until recently, a recording of a 1962 concert featuring Bennett and jazz pianist Dave Brubeck was released Tuesday. Later this year, Bennett will be collaborating on a full jazz album with Lady Gaga (one of many modern artists who've appeared on Bennett's "Duets" albums). He also writes and still paints under his birth name, Anthony Benedetto.
Next week, Bennett shares his voice at two shows in the Atwood Concert Hall. Last week, he answered a variety of questions via email about the past, present and what's yet to come.
Play: Your live concert ("Bennett & Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962") is just now being released. Were you surprised to find out about the discovery of the recording? What do you remember of that concert with Dave Brubeck and what was it like to perform with him again decades later in 2009?
Bennett: I was completely surprised when I heard from Columbia that the recordings done of that show were discovered -- and just a few days after Dave Brubeck passed away. I have truly fond memories of that show because we both had just released our signature songs, for me, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," and for Dave, it was "Take Five." So we were both excited by what was going on and the audience, which was filled with college students who had spent the summer working at the White House -- were very enthusiastic.
We just decided right before the show, without any rehearsal, to do a set together, and it's what I love most about performing live -- in the moment and completely spontaneous. It was a thrill to get a chance to perform "That Old Black Magic" with him at the Newport Jazz Festival so many years later. He still had the magic.
Play: On a similar note, are there artists you weren't able to work with but wish you could have? And do you have a wish list of people you'd like to work with in the future?
Bennett: Well, after three "Duet" projects, I have had a chance to work with a lot of artists that I admire, but I regret that I never had a chance to record with Louis Armstrong. As far as I am concerned, Louis taught us all how to sing.
Play: Who inspired/influenced you artistically as you were growing up, and where do you find inspiration now?
Bennett: I was very fortunate when I returned home from service in WWII to be able to study under the G.I. Bill of Rights. It gave me the opportunity to work with magnificent teachers who I otherwise would not have been able to study with and one of them was Mimi Spear. She gave me excellent advice, which was to listen to musicians that I liked and try to learn what they do and try to transfer that to my vocal style. She always said, if you imitate another singer, you will just be one of the chorus. I always admired the jazz pianist Art Tatum, who took each song and told a story. That is what I try to do when I sing -- communicate with the audience and tell them the story of each song.
Play: How has it been working again with Lady Gaga, this time on a full album?
Bennett: She is a true artist. I compare her to Picasso in how original she is and dedicated to her art. We are going to collaborate on a jazz album -- she is not only a very accomplished singer but an excellent piano player.
Play: What makes for a good collaborative performance -- does having a personal connection help?
Bennett: Absolutely, you need to be able to react to the other artist so that you can find the best way to work together, so it's essential to record -- as we did with "Duets" -- in the same studio and with the musicians in the studio with us. That is not how most albums are recorded today, but it's really the most correct approach to keep the performances as "live" as possible.
Play: Being so well-traveled and active for decades, are there still places around the country and internationally that you haven't visited but would like to?
Bennett: Actually, in the fall I will be performing for the first time in China, so I am truly looking forward to visiting, since I have never been there before. I have studied Chinese painting, so am hoping to learn more about the art and culture of the country while I am there.
Play: What advice do you have for young people considering a career in music or other arts?
Bennett: I think the most important thing is to love what you do and make sure that you keep that passion. Be true to your artistry, and don't let others try to move you to do something else just because it may be a commercial success or make a quick buck.
Play: Is there anything you've wanted to do creatively that you haven't yet?
Bennett: I just started to learn sculpting, which is a very exciting new endeavor for me, and I am loving it.
By Toben Shelby
Daily News correspondent