CD Review: Tony Bennett - A Swingin' Christmas

I recently received a copy of the CD from Tony Bennett A Swingin' Christmas featuring The Count Basie Big Band to review.


Actually, I'll be honest, I have no idea who sent it, because I have no recollection of being asked if I wanted to review it. (Bueller? Bueller?) I must have? Some days, it's like a game of Clue around here. But hey, it's the holidays, and I'll take any excuse to hear "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". ;) Even though I freely admit that this genre isn't my usual, I can still appreciate it and enjoy it.

A Swingin' Christmas contains 11 different holiday tracks, and Mr. Bennett, as always from what I've heard of his in the past, is at his finest. If you're looking for a different spin on Christmas classics with that big band twist, you'll probably be in heaven with this CD. I actually had no idea that it had been 40 years since Tony Bennett recorded a Christmas album when this one was released back in 2008. This was actually recorded live at Bergen Pac in Englewood, NJ. Here's the track listing:

1. I'll Be Home For Christmas
2. Silver Bells
3. All I Want For Christmas Is You
4. My Favorite Things
5. Christmas Time Is Here
6. Winter Wonderland
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
9. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm duet with Antonia
10. The Christmas Waltz
11. O Christmas Tree

If you're on the hunt for a Christmas related CD to listen to right now, Tony Bennett's A Swingin' Christmas is definitely a worthy choice. If you need a last minute Christmas gift for an older family member, or someone that likes the Big Band sound, they'll probably love it. (I know Tony Bennett is another one of my grandmother's favorites) Right now, it's on sale at Amazon for $10.99, and you can listen to some clips from the album over there before deciding to buy.

I received this CD to listen to so I could write my personal opinion of it. My opinions may differ from yours.