Tony Bennett and Bags?

[Mark Stryker]

Discovered two clips from a 1966 Tony Bennett television show today. At the start of the show, Tony notes that the guests include a number of notable jazz musicians -- Bobby Hackett (featured here on "Because of You"), the Paul Horn Quintet, Buddy Rich, Milt Jackson and Candido. Alas, I've not been able to find the part of the program where Bags appears. Anybody know any more details? Bennett neglects to say that he had a pretty fair jazz pianist working with his own trio at the time who is also on the program: Tommy Flanagan. He does introduce Ralph Burns' Orchestra and there are some good shots of the band. Certainly looks and sounds like Richard Davis on bass. I thought for a minute it might be Mel Lewis on drums, but I didn't think it looked like him. Sounds great whoever it is. In fact, the whole band is really swinging. Can anyone identify anyone else? The trumpeter on the far left might Joe Wilder.

I will also note that when Bennett says, "Thank you very much, ladies and gentleman, and thank you for coming by my very first TV special," he sounds exactly like Alec Baldwin's impersonation of Tony Bennett. 

 

 

 

 

In this second clip, the first number, "Fascinating Rhythm," is a feature for Buddy Rich, after which comes a lovely version of "Keep Smiling at Trouble" where Tommy Flanagan sounds especially great. I love the camera angle where you can see audience members ringside sitting in Saarinen "Tulip" chairs. That one woman looks a bit like Lucille Ball Could there have been show biz friends on hand? At the start of the number Tony says "Hi Phil" to someone (presumably someone named Phil, but I digress.)

 

 

 

[Hardbopjazz]

Thanks for sharing these.

I want to see the entire show. I wonder if it is for sale somewhere.