As I listen to “Cheek to Cheek” I am transformed by the electric bass, classic horns and smooth melodies from Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga on their collaborative jazz album.
As I listen to the record, I am taken back to the streets of New York in the embrace of the evening where the heart and soul of music is so pure. The sweet serenity of the jazz itself paired with incredible performances from two legends create a spirit of harmony, relaxation and peace for the audience and the listener to enjoy together.
“Cheek to Cheek” is a record of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook of world-renowned jazz contemporaries. Bennett and Gaga are able to bring new life to these classics, songs Bennett has described as universal with the ability to transcend generations. Well-known covers such as the title hit and the foot-tapping “It Don’t Mean A Thing [If It Ain’t Got That Swing]” bring jazz to a new generation of youth who likely have heard many of the melodies before.
“Sophisticated Lady” herself Stefani Germanotta, known by her stage name Lady Gaga, stuns as she showcases her expansive artistic range. We see another side of her, contrasting her eclectic, sensory, and magnificent stage performances for which she is recognized, instead displaying the musician diving back into the jazz roots she began showing as a child.
Her voice blends perfectly with the stylistic melodies of the instrumentation and songs from classic jazz artists and performers from times before, stunning throughout the entire album and especially on “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” and “Lush Life,” in both of which she sings solo.
Her true talent, in addition to her powerful and resonating voice, is her fantastic theatrical ability to evoke the heartfelt, deep and meaningful lyrics of the songs to inspire the listener. She also continues her own original messages of empowerment, love, and acceptance, allowing us to know through her performances that everything will be okay.
On Bennett’s solos, “Don’t Wait Too Long” and “Sophisticated Lady,” he is able to captivate as if he is personally singing to the listener. His soft and homely voice brings calmness, happiness, and relaxation to the audience, reminding us exactly how we have fallen in love with his art and talented musical ability over his almost seventy year music career.
The album is a collection of classics in all aspects. The record is simply beautiful, heart-felt, inspirational.
Put the record on, dim the lights, light a candle, brew some coffee and tea, hug your love, and let the wonder of jazz from two wonderful artists and musicians bring you to new life. The classic, sweet, smooth, perfect album by two musical legends can be best summarized by the lyrics of “Nature Boy”: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
