Gaga, Bennett revitalize jazz in ‘Cheek to Cheek’

Tony Bennett (left) and Lady Gaga attend a media event Sept. 22 at the Brussels’ city hall in Belgium. The duet released their album, “Cheek to Cheek,” Sept. 23.

By Darius Parker

Self-proclaimed “Mother Monster” Lady Gaga and legendary singer Tony Bennett have teamed up for a warm and rejuvenating jazz album, “Cheek to Cheek.”

“Cheek to Cheek,” which was released Tuesday, features 11 smooth and fun songs. Listeners are transported to a ’50s jazz club with the album’s opener “Anything Goes.” Gaga and Bennett’s contrasting vocals intertwine with a saxophone, piano and trumpets to offer a romantic and timeless melody.

Gaga and Bennett approach classic hits such as Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” with a modern and interesting twist as Gaga changes the last “Doo-ah” to “Tony Gaga.” Another timeless cover the duet performs is Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy.”

“Cheek to Cheek” brings out a new side to the pop star. Gaga said the collaboration with Bennett changed her life, according to USA Today.

Gaga’s powerful vocals layered with Bennett’s smooth and tender voice provide a sure way for each fan base to gain respect for the other. Reintroducing jazz into a pop-dominated industry shows Gaga’s drive for a new sound and her devotion to her craft as a maturing artist. All-in-all, “Cheek to Cheek” has the ability to appeal to every demographic and gives a delicious taste of what jazz music was — today.

Gaga and Bennett first met at a charity event in New York and then collaborated on “The Lady is a Tramp” for Bennett’s album, “Duets II.” Bennett’s reasoning for teaming up with Gaga was to introduce jazz to a younger audience, according to the Chicago Tribune. “Cheek to Cheek” was recorded in 2013 with the single “Anything Goes” released in July.

Although Bennett and Lady Gaga perform songs from different music eras and genres, the differences don’t stop the talented duet from making a delightful and upbeat album.