CD Review: Antonia Bennett, "Expressions"

When you’re the daughter of a legend like Tony Bennett, the expectations can feel overwhelming—but Antonia Bennett rises beautifully to the challenge. With Expressions, she steps out confidently from her father’s shadow and into her own well-deserved spotlight.

For 15 years, Antonia shared the stage as her father’s opening act, quietly building her craft and learning lessons about artistry, song choice, and the value of surrounding yourself with the finest musicians. That education is evident here.  Expressions is a carefully curated album that balances jazz standards, timeless ballads, and fresh interpretations—all delivered with clarity, warmth, and style.

Her voice is pure, elegant, and emotionally resonant. Each lyric is shaped with perfect phrasing, and every note feels both effortless and heartfelt. This isn’t imitation—it’s Antonia’s own artistic voice, honoring tradition while carving out new ground.  She is joined by a stellar ensemble: Christian Jacob (piano, arrangements), Larry Koonse (guitar), Kevin Axt (bass), and Kendall Kay (drums). Special guests include Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn, and David Thomas of Take 6 adding rich background vocals on Wherever You Go. Their sensitive, world-class musicianship provides the perfect canvas for Antonia’s voice.

Expressions is elegant, timeless, and deeply personal. With this release, Antonia Bennett affirms that she is not just carrying forward a family legacy—she is adding her own luminous chapter to the Great American Songbook.

PLAYLIST:

1. Do You Still Think of Me

2. Exactly Like You

3. Once I Loved

4. Baby

5. Comes Love

6. Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir

7. Right On Time

8. True Love

9. Wherever You Go

10. Ain’t Misbehavin’

11. Hushabye Mountain

12. After You

13. See You On The Other Side

PLAYERS:

• Antonia Bennett – Vocals

• Christian Jacob – Piano / Keyboards, Arranger

• Larry Koonse – Guitar

• Kevin Axt – Bass

• Kendall Kay – Drums

• Randy Brecker – Trumpet / Flugelhorn (guest)

• David Thomas (Take 6) – Background Vocals on “Wherever You Go”

I have attached two songs from Antonia's CD,  the first is "Do You Still Think Of Me" and the second "Once I Loved".  

                                                           " Do You Still Think Of Me'

                                                                "Once I Loved"

                        

Judy Whitmore, " Let's Fall In Love"

Judy Whitmore has lived a life full of adventures—novelist, theater producer, therapist, even a pilot—and all of that life experience comes through when she sings. Her new album, Let’s Fall In Love, teams her with Grammy-nominated arranger Chris Walden and a killer group of L.A. musicians. The result? A classy, romantic ride through the "Great American Songbook".

The sound is big and lush, thanks to Walden’s orchestra (including a 22-piece string section), but Judy keeps it personal—like she’s singing right to you. Highlights for me are the dreamy A Time for Love, the swinging Taking a Chance on Love, and the playful duet with Ty Taylor on the title track. Add in solos from players like Josh Nelson (piano), Peter Erskine (drums), Wayne Bergeron (trumpet), and Hendrik Meurkens (harmonica), and you’ve got an album that sparkles from start to finish.

Playlist 

1. I’ll Take Romance

2. All of You

3. A Time for Love

4. Taking a Chance on Love

5. How Long Has This Been Going On

6. Let’s Fall In Love (duet with Ty Taylor)

7. The Very Thought of You

8. It’s All Right with Me

9. Crazy He Calls Me

10. More Than You Know

11. I’ve Got a Crush on You

12. How Deep Is the Ocean

Players

• Vocals – Judy Whitmore

• Guest Vocal – Ty Taylor (Let’s Fall In Love)

• Trumpets – Wayne Bergeron, Kye Palmer

• Trombones – Andy Martin, Alex Iles

• Saxophones & Woodwinds – Jeff Driskill (tenor sax), Sal Lozano, Jacob Scesney (baritone sax), Sean Franz, Chad Smith

• Piano – Josh Nelson

• Guitar – Andrew Synowiec

• Bass – Edwin Livingston

• Drums – Peter Erskine

• Harmonica – Hendrik Meurkens

• Percussion – Wade Culbreath

• Arranger/Conductor/Producer – Chris Walden

Bottom line: If you love the "Great American Songbook", this album feels like a gift. Judy Whitmore and Chris Walden breathe new life into songs we’ve all cherished, and the musicianship is top-notch. Put on Let’s Fall In Love with a glass of wine, and let it sweep you away.

I attached two tracks from this CD for your listening pleasure.  They are two of my favorite standards, "Taking A Chance On Love" and "The Very Thought Of You".

                                                        "Taking a Chance On Love"

                                                             "The Very Thought Of You"