Concert Review by Andrew Poretz . . . .

The world-renowned entertainer and music historian Michael Feinstein graced Zankel Hall (Carnegie Hall’s underground concert space) with Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett, the latest in his Standard Time series. Feinstein paid homage to the great Bennett, who died last year just days before his 97th birthday, with a strong selection of material associated with the legend.

Feinstein is usually backed up by the trio of pianist Tedd Firth, bassist David Finck and drummer Mark McLean. Here, guitarist Pete Smith filled out the rhythm section, along with the new “Carnegie Hall Big Band,” an all-star lineup of 13 musicians, including Alphonso Horne and Warren Vache on trumpet, and Brandon Wright, Andy Farber and Sam Dillon on reeds. The result was a powerful, rich sound that might have overpowered a singer known best for delicate ballads. Instead, Feinstein muscled through the program with a voice more powerful than ever.

From the wings, Feinstein sang a rubato verse to “Strike Up the Band” (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin), before coming out swinging. It was a great choice for this new band. At the break, he took over at the piano for a strenuous solo while Firth conducted. All the musicians, including Feinstein, were dressed completely in black. Tedd Firth wrote about half the arrangements, along with contributions from John Oddo, Pat Williams, Bill Elliott and Doug Walter.

Feinstein followed with an excellent “The Best is Yet to Come,” a big hit for Bennett and nearly equally associated with Frank Sinatra. The star’s patter is informative and funny. His quick, improvisational wit serves him well for any glitch.

When Feinstein introduced “Once Upon a Time,” from the Broadway flop All American, he related that Mel Brooks, who wrote the show’s book, was inspired to write “The Producers” from this flop. Feinstein, at the piano, sang this as a solo ballad. His bottom voice has grown richer over the years, and his emotional connection here was palpable.

“I Wanna Be Around” is a great, bluesy song for which Johnny Mercer wrote both music and lyrics, but not the opening line – “I wanna be around, to pick up the pieces, when somebody breaks your heart” – which was famously mailed to him by a fan, Sadie Vimmerstedt, who thought the line sounded like a Mercer song. Mercer graciously gave her 50 percent of the royalties. Feinstein’s story of the Vimmerstedt’s changed fortunes from this generous gesture was quite funny and endearing. The top-notch arrangement featured a hot tenor sax solo by Brandon Wright. Feinstein’s extended, big-note finish was something to behold.

Feinstein took advantage of his all-stars with a medley of Irving Berlin’s “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “Cheek to Cheek.” A blazing intro by Alphonso Horne, with Mark McLean providing a beat right out of Louis Prima on “Sing, Sing, Sing,” gave this tricky new arrangement a wild ride.

In a clever twist, Feinstein, sitting on a stool, sang the verse to “I’ll Take Manhattan” (Rodgers and Hart) before breaking into Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” with a very syncopated, Latinesque rhythm.

While Sinatra’s swing rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon” might be more well-known, Tony Bennett’s powerful ballad version is close behind. Feinstein sang the verse rubato, accompanied initially only by guitar, and later some subtle bass playing by Finck. It was quite beautiful.

Before singing one of Bennett’s greatest ballads, “If I Ruled the World,” Feinstein shared the hitherto untold tale that the late Leslie Bricusse once confided to Feinstein that he actually wrote both words and music for the song, yet still credited lyricist Cyril Ornadel.

The funny Feinstein declared he would now sing Jerome Kern’s “most-famous song, ‘Keep Your Rabbits Rabbi, We Have Rabbits of Our Own.’” (An actual novelty song Kern wrote in 1920). After the laughs abated, he instead sang “The Way You Look Tonight” (with lyrics by Dorothy Parker). This spectacular, rubato rendition was a a tearjerker. “What’s Italian for verklempt?”, he asked.

Feinstein closed out the set with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” (“A song that needs no introduction … why am I talking?”) and “For Once In My Life.” Despite a standing ovation, the concert appeared to be finished, and the crowd began filing out. Feinstein made a surprise return, alone, to the piano. “This is for all the people leaving. See you next season!” He performed “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” (Michel Legrand/Alan and Marilyn Bergman) as a gorgeous coda to a terrific salute to Tony Bennett.

Michael Feinstein’s Standard Time: Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett took place on March 25 at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue (https://www.carnegiehall.org).

Photos: Chris Lee