Drops: Tony Bennett's 'Duets II'

Tony Bennett is a singular performer, not just because of his amazing voice or his remarkable longevity, but also because of his graciousness.

You can actually hear his generosity on "Duets II" (Columbia), in the way he always gives his collaborators the space to shine, whether it's the gorgeous phrasing and harmonies he builds with Norah Jones in "Speak Low" or his playful banter with Lady Gaga, who also gets to show off her impressive voice, in "The Lady Is a Tramp."

Bennett and producer Phil Ramone pull a poignant, memorable performance from Amy Winehouse on the classic "Body and Soul," her final studio recording before her death in July. It showcases both Winehouse's range and her unique delivery, as well as the sadness in her life, giving extra care to the phrasing of the foreboding line, "My life, a wreck you're making."

On "Blue Velvet," with his great duet partner k.d. lang, Bennett breathes new, painfully pretty life into the standard, their lush harmonies matched by the well-orchestrated swelling of strings. When Aretha Franklin arrives for "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" you can hear how the two legends push each other to bring their A-games to hold the spotlight both separately and together in the thrilling climax.

It's a marvel among many marvels on Bennett's "Duets II," raising the project beyond clever marketing and turning it into an artistic gem.

'Duets II'

GRADE A-

BOTTOM LINE Another amazing effort from a legendary singer