The "Bennett vs Sinatra debate" is one of those pointless exercises that will never have a clear winner.
****Bennett is just not everyone's cup of tea****
Funny, I always felt that way about Sinatra. Bennett is one of those singers that has that hard-to-explain quality of sincerity; no pretense. It could be argued that Sinatra has the higher level of technical vocal skill. Bennett, even in his prime (and, if one wants to split hairs), demonstrates less than perfect intonation, and perhaps less impeccable control. But, HE CONNECTS with the listener in a clear and simple way; his delivery is unparalleled. For me, Sinatra (especially later in his career) had a certain quality of self-importance in his singing that I find difficult to take. Early Sinatra is a beautiful thing, and his straight forward delivery of a melody has always been a model for all singers AND instrumentalists. But, later in his career that Rat Pack "baby" and "broads" persona became a little hard to take. A little bit like Hugh Heffner spending all day in a silk bath robe; PLEASE ..... I can imagine Bennett singing a lullaby to his grandchild. Sinatra? I'm not so sure.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s8zolmysgDo
****Bennett is just not everyone's cup of tea****
Funny, I always felt that way about Sinatra. Bennett is one of those singers that has that hard-to-explain quality of sincerity; no pretense. It could be argued that Sinatra has the higher level of technical vocal skill. Bennett, even in his prime (and, if one wants to split hairs), demonstrates less than perfect intonation, and perhaps less impeccable control. But, HE CONNECTS with the listener in a clear and simple way; his delivery is unparalleled. For me, Sinatra (especially later in his career) had a certain quality of self-importance in his singing that I find difficult to take. Early Sinatra is a beautiful thing, and his straight forward delivery of a melody has always been a model for all singers AND instrumentalists. But, later in his career that Rat Pack "baby" and "broads" persona became a little hard to take. A little bit like Hugh Heffner spending all day in a silk bath robe; PLEASE ..... I can imagine Bennett singing a lullaby to his grandchild. Sinatra? I'm not so sure.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s8zolmysgDo