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"Tony Bennett An American Classic" |
Television Review/November 2006 |
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"Tony
Bennett An American Classic" was broadcast by NBC on November 22,
2006. As Barbra performed for the first time with Bennett, a moment
in show business history was forever preserved.
The television special won an astonishing seven Emmy Awards.
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A
Classic
Performance
November
22,
2006
It had been touted as one of the most stylish
television specials to hit the airwaves in years, and under Rob
Marshall's direction, "Tony Bennett - An American Classic" sure
delivered the goods during NBC's broadcast last night. Not since
"Color Me Barbra" and "Liza With A Z" have we seen a good old
fashioned TV special like this. Bennett was surrounded by an
impressive list of guests in a series of spectacular duets, each with
a unique theme and look, and each one a classic performance in its own
right.
Barbra Streisand opened the show, performing with Bennett in a new
rendition of "Smile," which was then followed by some all too brief
footage from the rehearsals. The duet was filmed at the landmark Los
Angeles Theater, located, coincidentally, just blocks from the Staples
Center where Barbra performed in concert the night before the
broadcast. The Streisand-Bennett duet had the look and feel of Barbra's
1980s video of "Somewhere."
Bennett began the song and within moments, Barbra's voice was heard as
she began her portion of the ballad. A few seconds later, she appeared
on camera and their beautiful performance continued in tandem. In a
flowing gown (apparently taken from her concert tour collection),
Barbra carefully negotiated the stage and made her way toward
Bennett's piano and his spotlight. As each note was sung, Barbra
inched ever closer to Bennett until they both met in an embrace,
evoking memories of Barbra and Neil Diamond's classic Grammy
performance. Great choreography, great television, and an historic
moment in popular music as this was the first time these two legendary
singers have ever performed on the same stage together. |
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