Feinstein Finds His Way Back to Bennett

Modern proponents of the Great American Songbook don’t come much bigger than Michael Feinstein. Since the mid-1980s, the multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated, Tony-winning recording artist and performer has received national acclaim and adulation since launching a career as a cabaret singer-pianist devoted to the loosely defined collection of American popular songs, show tunes and jazz standards from the mid-20^th century. 

Now, Feinstein has focused his attention on one of his heroes, and perhaps an even bigger fan of the Great American Songbook in Tony Bennett. His new touring show, Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett, featuring the new big band Carnegie Hall Ensemble, showcases Feinstein’s interpretation of Bennett’s repertoire – which includes reaching into later eras of songwriting, highlighting Feinstein’s own connection to the much-beloved singer who passed away at age 96 in 2023. 

Feinstein talked about Bennett and the concert via an edited email in advance of the March 22 show at the Lobero. 

Q. The title of the tribute show “Because of You” is one of Tony Bennett’s songs, but also your way of paying it back (or forward). Can you share about the impact he had on your career … and your life? 

A. I would not have been able to achieve what I do if it weren’t for the individuals who preceded me and imparted their knowledge, one of whom was Tony Bennett. I had the privilege of knowing Tony personally – I once had the opportunity to sing with him, and I spent time with him socially, along with his wife, Susan. Being able to express gratitude and celebrate his legacy, as well as to discover different and novel ways to interpret his music, presents a significant challenge because he’s not just an icon; he is a legend. [The tribute is about] continuing his music for new generations.

What do you think fueled your connection to him? Was it largely because of your shared love of the Great American Songbook?

During the time I was working for Ira Gershwin he talked a lot about Tony, whose recording of “They All Laughed” he loved because Tony sounded like he has the world on a string and is just singing with the most joyant passion. When I first met Tony in 1983, we were backstage at a benefit with Rosemary Clooney, and we clicked instantly. Being a young kid who knew his world, his music and the songwriters, it was easy for us to start talking and become friends. Tony loved The Great American Songbook because it expresses thoughts, feelings, emotions and aspirations that he felt. That’s always been the soul of our relationship.

What is it about Bennett’s music and style that appeals to you, even after all these years? What do you think made him such a legendary and enduring artist?

His work made timeless classics shine even brighter. He expanded The Great American Songbook by embracing the recording and performing of songs that otherwise wouldn’t have been heard. His songs, ranging from the iconic “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to the uplifting “The Best is Yet to Come,” show his unique ability to bring freshness and depth to well-loved tunes. Whether he was delivering the smooth elegance of “Fly Me to the Moon” and “The Way You Look Tonight” or the heartfelt simplicity of “Smile,” Bennett’s performances were a showcase of his emotional depth and commitment to the music.

How have you chosen/curated the repertoire from his vast catalog for the tribute? 

Preparing is a winnowing process of figuring out what to leave out with the enormity of Tony. Choosing personal favorites was no small feat. So I made lists and eventually [chose] songs that I can feel most comfortable performing, then come up with the dialog… Then I try to find where I can make them a little bit different, so they’ll have surprises in them and won’t sound exactly like the way Tony sang them, because nobody wants an imitator.

What’s it like to sing with a large orchestra like Carnegie Hall Big Band? How does that affect the music?

There is a different kind of weight and power brought to these songs by the force of a big band – the sheer power from the live music combined with the lyric of a song is amazing to be a part of. I wanted people everywhere to experience a Carnegie Hall Big Band event because big bands have played there since the last century, but it’s the first time they’ve created anything like this — a touring big band that preserves the legacy of all the great bands, band leaders, and singers who fronted the bands. 

What are you hoping audiences take away from the concert?

I hope that they will have an expanded perspective about Tony’s work that’s not only about his music, but the reason that he liked these songs. Stories that I’m able to tell on stage help to give a broader sense of who he was and why he did what he did. It’s wonderful to be able to help perpetuate Tony’s legacy. 

Info and tickets at www.lobero.org