Steppin' Out
This is the album that transformed Tony Bennett from crooner to hipster, a run that culminated in his 1994MTV appearance.Steppin' Outis Bennett's tribute toFred Astaire, who introduced as many American standards as anyone due to his relationships with such songwriters as Berlin, Porter, Kern, and the Gershwins. While Bennett avoids some obvious choices ("Night and Day" and "A Foggy Day" had been covered in his earlierSinatra tribute), he picks a number of classics from Astaire's 1930s heyday as well as some songs from his MGM years, including the gem of the album, "You're All the World to Me." Bennett is ably assisted, as always, by theRalph SharonTrio. Great singer, great songs, great album.--David Horiuchi