Tony Bennett and Diana Krall celebrate their shared love of the music of George and Ira Gershwin on their new collaborative album, Love Is Here To Stay.

Released this past September 14th, 2018 via Columbia Records / Verve Records Group, the album title may well be subtle, but the sophisticated and beautifully rendered love letters to The Gershwins music contained within shine deeply.

1. "'S Wonderful"
2. "My One And Only"
3. "But Not For Me" (Diana Krall solo)
4. "Nice Work If You Can Get It"
5. "Love Is Here To Stay"
6. "I Got Rhythm"
7. "Somebody Loves Me"
8. "Do It Again"
9. "I've Got A Crush On You"
10. "Fascinating Rhythm"
11. "They Can't Take That Away From Me"
12. "Who Cares?" (Tony Bennett solo)

Reconfirming their legendary status as one of the premiere songwriters of the American popular standard, these two incredible artists showcase an unadulterated masterclass in vocal delivery and phrasing.

Indeed, the continuing command that Bennett and Krall display of the material in both their duets and solo tracks makes it appear effortless, belying the honed skill of the vocalists.

The duet tracks include "S Wonderful," "I've Got Rhythm," "They Can't Take That Away from Me" and the vibrant "Fascinating Rhythm," among them. In fact, 'Fascinating Rhythm' was Tony Bennett's first physical recording in 1949, made under his then stage name, Joe Bari, which he revisits (for the very first time) as a duet with Krall for this project.

I mean, come on now, these tunes are song standards, so yeah, you know they're not gonna mess around with them, but they still sound fresh and new when Tony and Diana sing them!

The piano playing sounds smooth on all of these songs. "You Can't Take That Away From Me" is my favorite song on this album. I like this song because it is about the little things that make two people love each other. I love the sentiment of this song.

"Nice Work If You Can Get It" motivates me to work hard, but also I am mindful to always look for something better. "S Wonderful" is a song that speaks to me. It is a song that tells me to cherish the person I am with.

"Love is Here to Stay" is a song about the enduring power of love. "I Got Rhythm" is a light snappy tune that makes me feel good. "I Got A Crush on You" is a song that shows the male and female perspective of falling in love with someone.

Indeed, I am reminded never to give up on love because of that very same song! "Fascinating Rhythm" features great drum playing with equally good piano playing, but as you can already guess, I love all these songs on this album - even if it only comes in at 37 minutes in total.

In conclusion, Gershwin, Bennett, Krall and the Bill Charlap Trio ensures that this album is one of the best of its ilk that we've had brought forth in the past decade.

That said, it's (for my money) the uber talented Charlap Trio that nearly steals the show here. Outstanding work from start to finish.

CD Purchase Link

www.TonyBennett.com

www.DianaKrall.com

www.VerveRecords.com