Tony Bennett's 'Viva Duets' review
Album art cover titled "Viva Duets" by Tony Bennett. Credit: Handout
Tony Bennett, on a never-ending quest to improve his voice and delivery, is always searching for new inspiration. The 86-year-old legend finds it for his new "Viva Duets" (Columbia) album by teaming up with Latin music's biggest stars, including Shakira, Thalia, and Marc Anthony. The new duet partners often draw something new out of Bennett, especially in the playful, bilingual back-and-forth with Thalia on "The Way You Look Tonight" and the jazzy virtuosity he shares with Christina Aguilera on "Steppin' Out With My Baby." The crowning achievements, though, come with the drama of faceoffs with Romeo Santos (on "Rags to Riches") and Gloria Estefan (on "Who Can I Turn To?").
TONY BENNETT
"Viva Duets"
GRADE B+
BOTTOM LINE Bennett and Latin music's biggest artists meet halfway
