Joel Zelnik Trio With Vocalist Stan Edwards Perform Tony Bennett & Bill Evans -the Legendary Recordings at Port Washington Public Library

Highlighted is the collaboration of Bill Evans & Tony Bennett during 1975 and ‘77, which yielded some of the best recordings in the history of jazz.

Few listeners realized that Tony Bennett was as much of a jazz singer as almost anybody; he had already made a handful of albums in a small jazz combo format, but these were far lesser known than his big chart hits. Then, in 1975, he made what would be his supreme statement in the jazz field, the first of two albums with the remarkable pianist Bill Evans.

Joel had the great fortune of playing at the Top of the Gate in NYC with Stan during the mid 60’s, on Monday nights. It was on these Mondays that they split sets with the Bill Evans Trio, and his greatness has stayed with Joel and Stan right up to the present. ...

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Highlighted is the collaboration of Bill Evans & Tony Bennett during 1975 and ‘77, which yielded some of the best recordings in the history of jazz.

Few listeners realized that Tony Bennett was as much of a jazz singer as almost anybody; he had already made a handful of albums in a small jazz combo format, but these were far lesser known than his big chart hits. Then, in 1975, he made what would be his supreme statement in the jazz field, the first of two albums with the remarkable pianist Bill Evans.

Joel had the great fortune of playing at the Top of the Gate in NYC with Stan during the mid 60’s, on Monday nights. It was on these Mondays that they split sets with the Bill Evans Trio, and his greatness has stayed with Joel and Stan right up to the present.

They reprise this remarkable collaboration of American Art Song at its finest, by recapturing the virility and expressiveness in these performances. It is a beautiful surprising repertoire – no Gershwin, no Ellington, no blues. They’re mostly songs associated with great female singers: Mabel Mercer and Billie Holiday, as well as Bill Evans’ own “Waltz For Debby” with Gene Lees’ lyrics.

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