By Sandi Durell

 

There is definitely a gene that morphs from parent to child that enables that child to absorb a talent. So it is with Tony Bennett’s daughter Antonia who grew up performing alongside her father when she was a wee one. Not only was she on the stage with her famous father, but also had the opportunity to perform alongside some of the best in the business, like Rosemary Clooney and Count Basie. It’s no surprise that icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Gene Kelly were also part of her circle.

 

Developing a passion for singing was certainly not far-fetched. With an almost little girl’s sweet persona and vocal technique, she chose some of everyone’s favorite standards to round out an evening of musical entertainment, from ballads and bossas to swing. The tunes included George Gershwin’s “Fascinating Rhythm,” a soft rendition of “Embraceable You” and an interesting Latin rhumba “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

 

The introspective “It Never Entered My Mind” (Richard Rodgers) and “Everytime We Say Goodbye” (Cole Porter) are soulful choices that always bring back a lot of memories for the listener.

 

Antonia, speaking about her almost one year old daughter in L.A., whom she obviously misses, and who will soon join her here in New York, was a good lead in to Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “No More Blues.”

 

Generously featuring her pianist Spike Wilner, he soloed with his own take on “Tea For Two” in a notable rainbow of rhythms. Each of the band members had the opportunity to show off their uber talents on a swinging “Our Love Is Here to Stay” (Gershwin) featuring Paul Newinsky on Bass (who adds a mean bow on several songs when needed) and Anthony Pinciotti on Drums.

Daddy and his girls!

With the Band!

 

Antonia Bennett appears at Café Carlyle thru June 3   212 744-1600

 

 

Photos: David Andrako