This is a Tony Bennett album, in every sense of the word. First, as a record album, it is a well-produced, impeccably recorded (triple-digital), and sensitively compiled collection of songs that will delight you if you are a Tony Bennett fan already, and surprise you if you're not. Second, as a personal album, it expresses Bennett's need to show the continuity of what matters across the expanse of his own life, to remember the people and places that are worth remembering, and savor their lasting influence. Everyone is from somewhere, and this album takes you to where Bennett is from. You will like the territory.

Certainly, you'll enjoy listening to this by yourself, and will probably think about your own roots as you do, but you'll enjoy it even more if you are lucky enough to have a sophisticated uptown woman accept your invitation to come over for a highball. Put this album on, smoky and low, and then focus on more important things....

Bennett's been called the last of the saloon singers, a high compliment and an apt one. Like the subjects of his musical portraits here, Bennett has delivered the goods over the long run. Classic American music.

I'll never forget when Frank Sinatra when asked to describe Tony Bennett called him a "singer's singer". This CD, Astoria: Portrait of the Artist brings us back to a different time, when there were singing waiters (Tony was one in Astoria, Queens) and he even goes back to being an infantry man in WWll. But these songs depict the smoothest and the best in crooning, something we don't usually come across in our American Idol mentality today.There are two selections on this CD that I must refer to as absolutely outstanding and they are "The Folks That Live On The Hill" and "Where Did The Magic Go". These songs reap nostalgic memories from all of us who are mature enough to appreciate a gentler time with negligible anxiety and no web to constantly bannish us to. This is top notch, classy fare and the CD brings out the masterful style of Tony Bennett and his cherished history.

Jay Adler, Massapequa, New York

i found this cd on a shelf at home. i played it in the car and i am delighted each time i listen to it. what a great way to go to work and even better coming home from work. many of the songs are a bit obscure but still wonderful.i have loved his music for the past forty years.he truly is a wonderful entertainer.

This album tugged on my heartstring. I still prefer the style of someone like Sinatra, all the while conceding that Bennett is a fine talent in his own right, but the songs on this album grabbed my attention and held it. That is primarily because most of the songs are love songs and an all too familiar feeling swept over me on hearing them. Some are of unrequited love and others of love fulfilled. In any case, they are well done, emotional and a pleasure to hear... even bearing in mind the "unrequited" part.

As is to be expected from an artist of this caliber, the quality of the recordings themselves match the quality of the lyrics, the singing and accompaniment. This is a fine selection for anyone who loves love songs done in an older style.

"Astoria: Portrait of The Artist" is one of my top favorite Tony Bennett albums from his discography. I recently revisited this album and savored its charms once again after not listening to it for over a year now. I should have written a review after the first time I listened to it.

The album was recorded and released in 1990 to coincide with his 40th anniversary in the music industry. And as the title connotes, it is also as much a tribute to the place where he grew up, Astoria, in Queens, New York. According to the singer, "he's been all over the world--to Paris, to Capri, to Florence--but Astoria is the best place to live." Although he's been a long-time resident of Manhattan, he never fails to visit his old neighborhood in Astoria on a regular basis.

Tony Bennett's impressive and ingenious renditions of gems from George and Ira Gershwin ("The Girl I Love"), Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash ("Speak Low"), Gus Kahn and Harry Woods ("A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet") are some of the best interpretations ever recorded. He gave new meanings and fresh twists to these songs without losing their original essence. He made them more listener-friendly and more pleasing to the ears with his own style of delivery.

His ever loyal trio, pianist Ralph Sharon, bassist Paul Langosch and drummer Joe La Barbera who have been backing the living legend for the longest time have done a real great job on the entire recording. The trio's wealth of experience has greatly contributed to the album's worthiness.

Jorge Calandrelli, a fine arranger, conducted the U.K. Orchestra and wrote the innovatively charming chart arrangements as he always does in all his projects. His body of work is consistently impressive and in the tradition of Nelson Riddle, Johnny Mandel, Gordon Jenkins, Patrick Williams, Don Costa, Robert Farnon and Claus Ogerman. He is one of the best arrangers/conductors I've ever come across in my entire listening journey.

The medley of "A Weaver of Dreams" and "There Will Never Be Another You" is such a musical marvel which I believe is the focal point of the album because of its beautiful and one-of-a-kind rendition. It is my favorite track. I'm all praises to Jorge Calandrelli for his brilliantly unique arrangement, which Tony Bennett, his sidemen and the orchestra executed in beauty and perfection.

This album is a rarity and an everlasting gem. You'll enjoy it as much as I have. With my heartfelt recommendation!