Tony Bennett Live At The State Theater – Minneapolis 1/20/13

Another classic musician is crossed off my bucket list.  The 86-year-old legend was amazing.  He oozed old-fashioned class and charm.  He worked the Great American Songbook (his greatest hits) genuinely owning it.  I can’t imagine what this guy was like when he was younger.  His voice still is still there – dynamics and tone.  He works a crowd with finesse and elegance.  He takes these classic standards and makes them fresh – like you are hearing them for the first time.  His voice and phrasing are so clear it forces you to recognize the poetry of lyrics.

The highlight for me was his finale where he set the microphone down and sang “Fly Me To The Moon”  without amplification.  You could close your eyes and imagine the old vaudeville theater smiling at the memory of its glory days reignited for one night.  This music and The State Theater are a match made in heaven.

My wife, who has accompanied me to many shows over the last 30 plus years, declared this top-5.  I agree and I feel privileged to now have a Tony Bennett ticket stub in my collection.  Happy Birthday Pea – tonight will be a great memory.  Tony we salute you!

A review from the St. Paul Pioneer Press is here. A review from CityPages is here.