Channeling the late, great Tony Bennett

In 2004, Matt Dusk shared a showroom with Tony Bennett at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. The two formed a friendship that has inspired Matt’s latest tour and album, “The Best of Bennett.”

Dusk is a vocalist of the crooner variety, so of course he had to make a record of the late singer’s songs. Local residents can see the result when “Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett” comes to the Edmonds Center for the Arts Feb. 13.

The new show is a journey through Bennett's timeless songs, including “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “The Good Life.” 

Here is a lightly edited Q&A with Dusk.

Edmonds Beacon: Tell me about your Edmonds show – full band?

Matt Dusk: We are emulating the vibe of a small New York jazz club in the 1940s. Every time I saw Tony perform live it was just him and a jazz trio. Authentic music with no bells and whistles. I’m so lucky to be traveling with a talented “band of brothers” who will all get the chance to shine on piano, bass, and drums during the evening. I’ll tell some personal stories about my time with Tony Bennett, we’ll perform some of his greatest hits and, hey, it’ll be nearly Valentine’s Day! Bring that special someone and I’ll try to get you in the mood!

Beacon: Many know Bennett for his ode to San Francisco, but he is so much more. Can you talk about his appeal, in later years, to younger artists? 

Dusk: Tony Bennett’s appeal to younger artists lies in his authenticity and timeless talent. His smooth, expressive voice, combined with his dedication to the heart of the song, resonates across generations. Tony also embraced collaborations with younger artists like Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse, introducing him to new audiences. His elegance, class, and respect for music inspired many, showing that true showmanship never fades. Whether it was his voice or his style, Tony made everyone feel included, and that’s what keeps his music relevant and inspiring to artists of all ages.

Beacon: How did your meet-up with Bennett come about? Was he as nice and gracious as he appeared to be?

Dusk: Tony and I shared a showroom at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas in the mid-2000s. Tony was a consummate showman, a real pro, but he was also a humble and generous man. We talked a lot about life and performing, but also about art and tennis and other things. He was unassuming and quiet-spoken and always had time for sharing advice and life lessons.

I was very fortunate to have spent time with this great legend, and I cherish the memories. I share a great story on stage during my show about the time that Tony came to see me perform before one of his own shows. To say I was extremely nervous would be an understatement!

One of the songs he heard me sing was “Two Shots of Happy, One Shot Of Sad,” written for Frank Sinatra by U2’s Bono and The Edge. Frank passed away before he had a chance to record it, and I was given the song to record for my debut album with Universal Records in 2004. Anyway, after Tony’s show, I joined him backstage to thank him for taking the time to see part of my show. He asked me to repeat the story about “Two Shots,” and I did. He then said to me, “Kid, Frank’s gone. That’s your song now.” You can’t imagine how I felt in that moment.

Beacon: You've also recorded a tribute to Frank Sinatra? Who might be next?

Dusk: I’ve always been drawn to artists who’ve shaped the foundation of popular music, and one name that stands out is Nat King Cole. His voice, style, and musicianship were unparalleled, and his influence reaches far beyond jazz – he was a pioneer in every sense of the word. One of the first CDs I ever bought was Diana Krall’s “All for You,” her tribute to the Nat King Cole Trio, and it left a lasting impression on me. The way she captured the essence of his music while bringing her personality to it was so inspiring.

If I were to take on a tribute to Nat King Cole, I’d love to explore both his well-known hits, like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa,” and some of his lesser-known gems. His ability to blend elegance with heartfelt emotion is something I strive for in my own performances, and honoring his legacy would be both a challenge and a privilege. Who knows – maybe that’s the next project!