Hours before the show the duo’s second album Love For Sale was announced with an October release date and made available for pre-order. The lead single “I Get A Kick Out Of You” was also released, and a music video was released days later on Friday, August 6. Despite all the fanfare, no music from the new album was performed, though it certainly didn’t detract from the incredible show.

Opening the show with a 10-song set strictly composed of jazz and big band-style numbers, Lady Gaga gave the performance of a lifetime. She was off to the races the moment the bombastic “Luck Be A Lady” began, singing, dancing, and holding no punches. The versatility she possesses as a vocalist and performer can’t be understated. Here is one of the most crucial figures in contemporary pop music, known for outrageous outfits (remember the meat dress at the VMAs?), dressed in an elegant gown and boa, belting the hell out of the standards. She demonstrated her expert vocal control as tackled standards such as the gorgeous Gershwin “Someone To Watch Over Me,” Dinah Washington’s “What A Difference A Day Made,” and Jackie Gleason’s “Call Me Irresponsible.”

For all her singing, she wasn’t short on words. She wove tales and anecdotes into the moments between her songs, making the 5,000+ seat Radio City Music Hall feel as intimate and warm as a jazz club. Before launching into Nat “King” Cole’s “Orange Colored Sky,” she told the endearing story of first meeting Bennett. She’d performed the song during a 2011 charity event for the Robin Hood Foundation where Bennett was in attendance. It was her one deviation in a setlist of contemporary pop material. Upon learning that Bennett would like to meet her, she recalled ordering her team to strip away the “Gaga” of it all so she could look “like a lady” to meet him. It was then that Bennett decreed that she was a jazz singer, and doubled down on his declaration by inviting her to record an entire jazz album with him. It’s a badge of honor she wears proudly, as any Italian girl from New York City would.

She did a quick costume change after a few songs, returning in a gorgeous back gown with white designed by her sister, Natali Germanotta. She segued into her jaw-dropping re-imagination of Cher’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” Before introducing the song she’d like played at her funeral, “Coquette,” she described exactly the urn she’d like to be cremated in, and it’s location outside her bedroom. She doesn’t want to end up “in a pink dress with a bad perm.” It happens, apparently.

In the middle of a thrilling rendition of “La vie en rose,” she descended into the crowd to have a moment with her parents and sister. “Some things are more important than show business,” she declared after returning to the stage to a standing ovation. “You might want to stay on your feet” she advised the crowd as she broke into the classic “Theme From New York, New York” and introduced Tony Bennett, who did not appear. Instead, the curtain dropped.

Moments later, it rose again to reveal Bennett, beaming with a big smile and firmly planted in front of the piano. The crowd leapt to their feet to greet Bennett as the orchestra kicked into high gear. What unfolded next was a barrage of hits that came and went so quickly it was hard to keep up, until eight songs on when he slowed things down with a tear-jerking rendition of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” The musical director gave just a few seconds between songs, which was designed to keep Bennett on track. He clearly wasn’t all there, but he was entirely present when it came to the music. He wasn’t perfect, but he showed no loss of vocal strength. At times the vocal intensity he managed was staggering.

After a gorgeous reading of “Fly Me To The Moon,” Gaga re-emerged in a shimmering gold number and sang “Happy Birthday” to a somewhat bewildered, but smiling Bennett. Afterwards, the duo did three duets that all largely went off without a hitch. Each time, she’d say to him, “Tony, let’s sing (x)” and they’d sing it. As she danced around him during their duets Bennett seemed entertained but unsure of what to do. He’d react with enthusiastic but lost-sounding “woah!’s” and “wow!”’s. For anyone who’s had first-hand experience with Alzheimer’s, it was crystal clear that the disease was shining through. Thankfully, the disease didn’t own nor derail this night.

It’s unclear whether or not the two intended to do more duets, but after a rousing “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” Gaga introduced the band, they took their bows, and the curtain dropped without a “goodnight.” It felt unfinal, and not long after the curtain rose once again to reveal a solo Bennett. He gave one last encore, his signature “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” At the song’s conclusion Gaga returned to retrieve him and the show was over.

Both performances are being taped for MTV, apparently for a documentary.

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Needless to say, I was in there, perched in my seat waiting for Gaga and Bennett to slay me; and slay they did. First, I must note that I was impressed how the pair performed a lengthy, 32-song set. I didn’t count solos, but it seemed like Tony had more (and rightfully so; he is a legend) but both were respectably impressive. While I’ve always known both could sang, I was floored by the vocal performances of both artists. Notably, when Tony put his microphone down and sang half of “Fly Me To the Moon” using the natural acoustics of Radio City. Or, when Gaga sang in French Amazing.

Video Credit: brandonxgaga

It was a show with numerous highlights indeed, from the solos to the adorable collaborations between the two. While Gaga’s numerous outfit changes were ravishing and show-stopping, unlike her solo tours it did not overpower the main focus, here: the music and the vocals. I’ve never seen Gaga live on her own; this was my first time seeing her live, ever. Why? Because I’m a bit put off by all the unnecessary “artsy” (read: weird) crap she does. I am a fan, but first and foremost for her voice, talent, and musicality. So, the Cheek to Cheek Tour was the perfect setting for me to see Lady Gaga live for the first time.

It’s interesting to see Gaga take such an unexpected foray from her pop superstardom at what most would call the primetime of her career. And, one must wonder what will come next. Will the pair do another album, and tour? Will Gaga go back to business as usual? Or will she do both? Hopefully, Gaga can find a happy medium (perhaps, doing a Broadway musical?). However, one thing is for certain: Mr. Tony Bennett, at 88 years old, is an unbreakable legend who will be just fine whether or not he is cheek to cheek with Ms. Stefani Germanotta.

If you weren’t able to see the duo live on the Cheek to Cheek Tour, I would highly recommend ordering their live concert DVD. It is not as lengthy as the actual tour, but it gets the job done.

The post Concert Review: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga live at Radio City Music Hall appeared first on THE 97.

It works.  It’s believable.  When the song opens, an unsuspecting listener probably wouldn’t guess it’s Lady Gaga singing.  She sounds fantastic and authentic.  Tony Bennett of course provides a stellar performance as well.  Here’s my only issue: the two of them together doesn’t work that well.

Something about it is endearing, yes, but not exactly in the best way.  It’s more like I’m at a wedding and my grandpa and my cousin just took the microphone to do karaoke (except, neither of my grandfathers nor cousins can sing as well as Tony and Gaga).  It just seems like an odd combination.  And, while it’s cute, I’d rather hear them singing solo than with each other.  Hopefully, one day Gaga will release an album of jazz standards alone, because she sounds right at home.

As for this project, titled Cheek to Cheek, due out September 23rd, I am not sure how to feel.  I will definitely be giving it a listen, but whether it’ll become a staple in my music collection is to be determined.

Grade:

75/97

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