There is something about the aging of the great ones. As they lose a little in vocal power and range, they seem to be able to make up for it with superior interpretation and emotion. Tony Bennett (and Nat Cole, Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and a few others), proves the point in this tribute to Fred Astaire. Ironically Astaire, who never had vocal power or range, always relied on interpretation to sell his songs. That he did so successfully, is attested by the fact that he was considered by Ira Gershwin and Irving Berlin to be the one vocalist they trusted to sing their songs exactly as they were written.

Bennett may struggle here and there to reach a note, but he can be forgiven because he sells each song with mastery of style and meaning. His version of WHO CARES is unique and makes what most singers use as an uptempo swinger into a sweet near ballad. HE LOVES SHE LOVES is sung at almost a whisper and Bennett wrings more emotion from the song than I've heard from any other vocalist. Indeed, he performs the Gershwin and Berlin numbers wonderfully. No easy task. Although they are for the most part familiar, they are difficult to sing as many a kareoke performer has learned to his or her regret.

This one is a keeper! It belongs in every pop music lovers collection, right alongside his previous work, Sinatra tribute PERFECTLY FRANK.

I have always been a Sinatra fan--- was "raised" on his Capitol albums during the 50s--- never even thought of Bennett... until he released his "Perfectly Frank" album... then I was a convert. Some of his covers of the Frankie tunes were as good, if not more intimate than Sinatra himself. I was shocked. When I discovered the "Steppin' Out" album (1993) just recently in my local library's collection, I checked it out, taped it & listened. When I grew to love it, I bought the CD--- and I'm still listening! (Which is driving my girlfriend completely bonkers! However, before this, I had purchased the new Philip Glass soundtrack to DRACULA--- and THAT just about turned her corner, too. Heh, heh, heh. I think she'd listen to Glass, now, just for a change.) Anyway, there's not one track on this CD that's a dog. The Sharon Trio is just right, with Ralph playing a marvelous piano. Bennett is just right, too, obviously. Unlike the "Perfectly Frank" CD, which does have some tracks that simply don't cut it, this is the Bennett CD to interest those who would never touch this genre with a ten foot pole. I got it on sale for $8.99.... and ain't I happy! The music is contagious. The songs will stay with you, dare I say it, night and day? If the 2nd track, "Who Cares?", doesn't melodically haunt you, you must be already dead. This song is worth the entire CD. Do yourself a favor. Buy it and...... enjoy.

[Running time: 52:57]

What a combination! A great singer of the '50's through today paying tribute to a great dancer of the 30's and 40's, with songs from the 20's through the 40's.

When he first auditioned, the notes on Fred Astaire's performance read "Can't act; can't sing; dances a little." He went on to be one of the two great male dancers in the movies of the 30's and 40's.

He introduced the great songs on this album--songs by the likes of the Gershwins, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin--to the movie going public, and Tony Bennett captures both the charm of these songs and the Astaire appeal in his delivery. Outstanding are "Top Hat, White Tie And Tails", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Dancing In The Dark", "Nice Work If You Can Get It", "Shall We Dance", and "That's Entertainment".

If you have appreciation for the eras that this music represents, you'll find this a truly great album.

Steppin' Out is that too rare event: a perfect singer, world class accompaniment and popular music's standards coming together. Tony Bennett continues to astound -- his 1993 voice remains as vital and powerful, and sensitive, as ever. Even in 2000, Tony does not sound any the worse for wear after 50 (!) years of performing.

Given that Tony is the best singer around today, this album is a treat because of Ralph Sharon's incredible piano: age has done nothing but make this guy BETTER. The timing and touch are a pleasure. At a recent concert, I could only sit there and marvel at how this older gentleman simply puts the next generations to shame.

Finally, the songs are exactly what you want to hear Tony sing. Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and the Gershwins deserve the kind of appreciation and swinging treatment that only someone like a Tony Bennett can give them. It is extremely rewarding to find the singer in his element, recording a successful, satisfying album by sticking to the best standards and doing them right.

Even if you cherish the Tony Bennett of the I-Left-My-Heart-In-San-Francisco '60s, you will find the 1993 version to be essentially the same -- masterful interpretations of great songs. Less of the booming '60s echo, but a nice clean recording. Pure class. Thanks, Tony.

Steppin' Out is indeed a fine tribute to Fred Astaire by Tony Bennett. Tony sings these ballads with sensitivity; and that enhances the songs on this album. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done.

"Steppin' Out With My Baby" has an excellent jazzy musical arrangement and Tony sounds better than ever! Tony aces this easily with his fine vocal talents; and you can just grasp that image of Fred Astaire dancing so elegantly as you hear this song. The arrangement for the piano is especially nice; and The Ralph Sharon Trio enhances the ballad even further--great! "Who Cares?" features Tony Bennett front and center as he sing this wistful ballad; and this sounds like classic music to me--it's excellent for lounge music as well. In addition, "They Can't Take That Away From Me" is easily a major highlight of this entire album; Tony delivers this with panache and Fred Astaire would certainly have felt very honored! Tony sings "They Can't Take That Away From Me" without a single superfluous note--and that's very impressive.

"Shine On Your Shoes" is a bouncy little tune you're bound to enjoy; Fred sang this brilliantly and Tony Bennett pays a great tribute to this classic song as he sings this flawlessly. "He Loves And She Loves" is yet another wonderful number on this CD; and when Tony goes into the main lyrics of the song this number really takes flight! "He Loves And She Loves" gets a very tender interpretation by Tony and the musicians and it all works very well. There's also "They All Laughed;" this triumphant tune really shines bright and I love it!

"All Of You" is a marvelous, classic love song that could never be forgotten; and I always smile whenever I hear this beautiful ballad. "Nice Work If You Can Get It" gets the royal treatment from Tony Bennett and The Ralph Sharon Trio; and I really like "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Similarly, "It Only Happens When I Dance With You" is a gorgeous love song that will touch you with its beauty and its message of true love for another--how wonderful!

There's even a superb medley of "You're Easy To Dance With/ Change Partners/ Cheek to Cheek;" and this is another major highlight of this album. Tony handles complicated tempo and key changes like the pro he was and still remains; and "That's Entertainment" is a number I could never tire of hearing--great number! The CD ends strong with Tony Bennett performing "By Myself;" this last song is a very sensitive number that Tony delivers with great feeling and "By Myself" also leaves you wanting more.

Tony Bennett is a living legend and he's practically a part of Americana--he's that big an artist. I highly recommend this CD for his fans; and people who enjoyed the songs from all those Fred Astaire movies will cherish this CD for quite some while to come.