TONY BENNETT - DUETS II REVIEW

Tony Bennett - Duets II

Mr. Tony Bennett's Epic Opus 2011, aka Duets II brings together some of the most unlikely collaborations - a true testament to the Crooner's influence on so many of the Vocalists who have sold out Arenas and won Grammys after him. At 85 years of age, Bennett recently became the oldest living Artist to have achieved the distinction of debuting atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart and he did it with some help from his Friends. Some really famous and talented Friends.

Jam-packed with 17 Classics, Duets II isn't necessarily about breaking new ground or necessarily about High Art. It's about celebrating an Icon and how Bennett's Voice and Music have inspired others and also connecting a new Audience who grew-up not having had Jazz Music on their radars. The phrasing, the range, the stylization - there is only one Tony Bennett and this Collection pays tribute to that front and center.

There are some fabulous moments on the Disc like the fun and flirtatious The Lady is a Tramp (ft. Lady Gaga), One for my Baby (ft. John Mayer), a perfect reunion in Blue Velvet (ft. k.d. lang), Don't Get Around Much Anymore (ft. Michael Bublé) ...obviously, Yesterday I Heard the Rain (ft. Alejandro Sanz) and perhaps a true showcase that he's (and she's) definitely still got it, How Do You Keep the Music Playing (ft. Aretha Franklin).

TONY BENNETT TO RELEASE "DUETS II" FEATURING AMY WINEHOUSE, LADY GAGA, MARIAH CAREY & MORE

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

With 100 Albums released, 15 Grammy Awards including the coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, legendary Crooner Tony Bennett is showing no signs of stopping. In fact, Bennett turns 85 years-old today and to celebrate this important milestone, he releases Duets II, a follow-up to 2006's Duets which was his best-selling Album ever.

What you need to know is the roster of talent he gathered for this Disc including several of my favourites. Lady Gaga. Mariah Carey. Aretha Franklin. Sheryl Crow. Andrea Bocelli. Josh Groban. Michael Bublé. John Mayer. Queen Latifah. AMY WINEHOUSE. Yes, you read correctly. The Disc features one of Winehouse's final recordings before her untimely passing.

Duets II is in stores September 20, 2011 via Sony Music Canada and the complete Track List is as follows:

ARETHA FRANKLIN TO UNDERGO SURGERY FOR UNDISCLOSED ILLNESS

Aretha Franklin

It was announced the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, 68 years-old, is under-going Surgery today at Detroit Sinai-Grace Hospital for an undisclosed serious illness.  A Prayer Vigil was held in Detroit for her and all appearances and Concerts have been cancelled up til May. 

Please send your positive thoughts and prayers out to this remarkable Artist who paved the way as a Groundbreaker for so many of today's female artists.

UPDATE: According to Franklin's Publicist, all went well with the Surgery. Yay!

UPDATE II (12/9/10): A Family member of Franklin, has confirmed that she is being treated for Pancreatic Cancer, which Patrick Swayze also suffered from in recent memory. Tragic. Please continue to send your positive thoughts and prayers to her.

ARETHA FRANKLIN AND LIZA MINNELLI IN SNICKERS CANDY BAR COMMERCIAL

My new favourite Commercial! I must've been snoozing because apparently this Snickers Television Spot was released nine months ago and I never caught wind of it until now.... and it's a Keeper. Watch as Aretha Franklin and Liza Minnelli define what it means to become a "Diva" when those hunger pangs just get a little too out of control. I'm sure we can all relate!