Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Am

thejparkergroup

Review by Jonathan Rodriguez

Tony Bennett’s “I Am” – A Timeless Slice of Jazz-Pop Magic Alright, let’s talk about Tony Bennett’s I Am, the 1957 gem that somehow feels like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day in New Zealand. Yeah, you heard me right—this album came out Down Under via Coronet Records. With Ray Ellis and his orchestra backing him up, Tony delivers a vocal performance so smooth it could make butter jealous. It’s jazz meets pop with just enough heart to keep things interesting. Now, I gotta say, this isn’t some high-concept masterpiece trying too hard to impress. Nope, it’s simple, soulful, and straight-up charming. And honestly? That’s why I love it. Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me. First up: “In The Middle Of An Island.” This one hits different. There’s something about the way Tony croons over those lush orchestral arrangements—it’s like he’s inviting you to sit by the fire while telling you a story only he knows. The melody is dreamy but not overdone, perfect for late-night drives or staring out the window when life gets heavy. You can almost picture Ray Ellis waving his conductor’s baton like a wizard casting spells. It’s cozy yet cinematic, if that makes sense. Then there’s the title track, “I Am.” Whoa, hold onto your hats because this tune sneaks up on you. At first listen, it might seem understated, maybe even a little old-school predictable. But give it another spin (or three), and BAM—you realize how cleverly crafted it is. Tony’s voice carries this quiet confidence here, like he knows exactly who he is and doesn’t need to shout about it. Paired with the soft brass swells from the orchestra, it’s impossible not to feel seen. Like, yeah, dude, we get it—you’re Tony freakin’ Bennett. What strikes me most about I Am is its authenticity. Back in ‘57, nobody was chasing viral moments or TikTok trends. Artists like Tony were just doing their thing, pouring their hearts into every note without worrying about algorithms. Sure, the production sounds dated compared to today’s hyper-polished standards, but isn’t that part of its charm? It’s real. Raw. Human. So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or someone looking for background music that won’t bore you to tears, I Am has got your back. Just don’t expect fireworks—this record is more like a steady flame, glowing softly in the corner of the room. Oh, and here’s the kicker—I listened to this album on a random Tuesday morning, and suddenly my cereal tasted better. Weird, huh? Maybe Tony’s voice has magical powers after all.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: tony-bennett-with-ray-ellis-and-his-orchestra-i-am.zip
  • MP3 size: 9.2 mb
  • FLAC size: 114 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
In The Middle Of An Island2:05
I Am2:18

Video

Tony Bennett - In the Middle of an Island (1957)
Tony Bennett - I Am (1957)

Images

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Catalog Numbers

KS-176

Labels

Coronet

Listen online

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  • écouter en ligne
  • lyssna på nätet
  • online luisteren
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
  • ascolta in linea
  • ouvir online

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded AtColumbia Records
Manufactured ByPhilips Electrical Industries Of New Zealand Limited
Published ByE. H. Morris & Co. Ltd.

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Runout [Etched]): MX98963
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Runout [Etched]): MX98964

About Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra

Album herunterladen Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Amlataa albumi Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Amtélécharger l'album Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Amlast ned album Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Amladda ner album Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Amdescargar álbum Tony Bennett With Ray Ellis And His Orchestra - I Am
Tony Bennett (born August 3, 1926, Astoria, Queens, New York, USA) is an American singer of traditional pop standards, big band, show tunes, and jazz. He is also a painter, having created works under the name Anthony Benedetto that are on permanent public display in several institutions. Father of , and .

Real Name

    • Anthony Dominick Benedetto

Name Vars

  • Benedetto
  • Bennet
  • Bennet, Tony
  • Bennett
  • F. Bennet
  • T. Bennet
  • T. Bennett
  • Toni Benett
  • Tonny Bennet
  • Tonny Bennett
  • Tony
  • Tony Benett
  • Tony Bennet
  • Tony Bennett Orchestra
  • Tony Bennett Solo
  • Tony Bennett,
  • Tony Bennett/Benedetto
  • Т. Бенет
  • Тони Бенет
  • ÈËüûÙÍÃÈ
  • ݱ఼ϭैɹ
  • ƠˈಠˈƠ

Aliases

  • Antonio Benedetto
  • Joe Bari

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? Tony Bennett's album *I Am*, released in 1957, is a hidden gem from New Zealand. It features smooth jazz and pop vibes with tracks like "In The Middle Of An Island" and the titular "I Am." The album showcases Bennett's iconic vocal style, backed by Ray Ellis and His Orchestra. Not many people realize this classic was released under the Coronet label down under!

Comments

brunalavie
brunalavie
2025-03-13
Bennett is such a total artist that he can can sing a song he detests and sound like he's enjoying every minute of it.
oramason
oramason
2025-03-12
Frankly, I never cared for Tony Bennett. This is the only song of his that I ever liked, and he did it far better than anyone else did.
espaisblancs
espaisblancs
2025-03-12
This was a song favorite of my wife's. We were married Aug. 19, 1956. We were in love. She went home Feb. 23,, 2022. RIP Sweetheart. ???
sgoskie
sgoskie
2025-03-12
Great singer! There are no voices like his nowadays.
basitsworldf2093d6c13
basitsworldf2093d6c13
2025-03-11
My brothers always played this song when I was 7 yrs. old! I love it still @ 71 !
bbarham581787407
bbarham581787407
2025-03-11
NICE SONG. BUT SADLY THIS FELLOW LIKE MANY IN THAT ENTERTAINMENT WORLD SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL HOPEFULLY HE IS STILL ALIVE TO REPENT
imperiaxiv
imperiaxiv
2025-03-10
I was just a little guy when this song charted - remember it well. Happy 94th, Tony - and many more !
eliaskjaer3112
eliaskjaer3112
2025-03-10
One of the most successful songs of Bennett's career (his last top 10 hit)...but he despises it and won't sing it in concert. Too bad...
vtechniofficial
vtechniofficial
2025-03-10
Tony hated the song. He and Mitch Miller had their biggest fight over recording this. Of course as great as Mitch Miller was as a producer, he wanted these people to sing these little novelty songs. Frank Sinatra couldn't wait to get away from Mitch Miller. Tony after this said oh, he would never record a song he didn't like again. And he hasn't.
michaelconnery
michaelconnery
2025-03-10
I saw him live about a decade ago and he ignored my pleas to sing this song, but he is such a great entertainer it didn't matter...that much. (would have loved it if he had sung it though). Thanks, Mr. Bennett for all you've given this world.
martinilimoes
martinilimoes
2025-03-10
A good example that singers don't always know what's best for them and can't always recognize a good song. rIn 1957 Mitch Miller then head of Columbia Records wanted Tony Bennett to record this tune. Tony balked and then finally agreed to do it, but demanded there be only one take. The song became a Top 10 hit, not the easiest thing for a singer to get. And that one take sounded awfully good.
hutchinsonkay91
hutchinsonkay91
2025-03-10
In the 80s my English teacher in Mexico made us sing and dance this song ???? just found out i'ts Tony .
raissamal
raissamal
2025-03-09
Bing Crosby's youngest son does a cute version on 'The Edsel Show'....
suzpectg
suzpectg
2025-03-08
one of his best!
chantatum
chantatum
2025-03-07
Bugo:Ohhhhh foxy song play with guitar that song in Foxy’s in Jost van dyke great harbor in the BVI island ok.Bugo.
accountingmomentum
accountingmomentum
2025-03-06
Tony is one helluva singer but a poor judge of this classical tune/Thanks MItch
luskyt
luskyt
2025-03-06
So this was the “Kokomo” of the ‘50s?
monupathak356
monupathak356
2025-03-05
Great Song,Talented Singer!!!! Sept. 15, 2019.
cardelina
cardelina
2025-03-04
Tony gave a better performance on this song better than Ernie!!! Thanks for the post!!!! Aug. 7 , 2019
joneshkaf
joneshkaf
2025-03-04
Tony, you may have hated but we teenyboppers loved it back in 1957. You gave us a good song and good excuse to dance up a storm. It's still one of my favorites.