Tony Bennett released 'The Art of Romance' in 2004, an album paying homage to the American romantic song of the 20th century. Produced by Phil Ramone, the record includes standards by composers such as Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington, with orchestral arrangements by Jorge Calandrelli.
The album was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York and featured prominent musicians such as pianist Lee Musiker and guitarist Gray Sargent. Bennett, then 78 years old, demonstrated his vocal vitality and ability to reinterpret classics with freshness and elegance.
Critics received the album positively, highlighting Bennett's interpretive maturity and the quality of the arrangements. 'The Art of Romance' reached number 3 on the Billboard jazz albums chart and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2005.