music

Does age really matter in popular music?

This week, the Twin Cities have seen Disney Channel superstar Miley Cyrus, 14, thrill a throng of tween and teen girls; the reunited Van Halen -- three 50-somethings plus one of their 16-year-old sons -- rock baby boomers and Gen Xers, and Tony Bennett, 81, croon to a crowd of AARPers.

What these three disparate stars have in common is a magical connection with their fans. With Miley, it was about seeing a red-hot TV idol in person. With Van Halen back with original singer David Lee Roth for the first time in 23 years, it was about nostalgia. With Bennett, it was about being in the moment.

Even though most of the 26 songs he sang Thursday night at the Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino have been in his repertoire for decades, Bennett made each one fresh. Between songs he told stories about Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney, but he didn't deal in nostalgia when he was singing. With obvious joy in his eyes, he seemed to relish singing his signature "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" as if his lover were truly waiting for him there, instead of backstage.

Bennett delivered ballads as if they were intimate conversations between friends (or pillow-talk cooing between lovers), lingering on words or phrases to emphasize points and often belting out the final line. His swinging was more convincing Thursday than at last year's winning Mystic Lake concert.

This performance had a completely different vibe. Last year's was shortly after Bennett's 80th birthday, so there was a festive quality, complete with a cake, flowers from fans and a round of "Happy Birthday." Thursday's show was longer -- a generous 110 minutes -- and arguably stronger; there were unerasable smiles on the faces of 2,100 fans, including my 85-year-old mom.

For one, Bennett had a guest pianist, Roger Kellaway, who was more soulful, bluesy and eloquent than the overly aggressive Lee Musiker. Kellaway also did a fun solo turn on "Rememberin' You," the theme from TV's "All in the Family," which he wrote.

As always, Bennett was in good spirits and good voice, working the entire stage, with a little soft-shoe here, an occasional handshake with a fan there and an radiant smile everywhere. The eminently likable crooner was the perfect blend of class, playfulness and joie de vivre.

During "The Good Life," after he sang "kiss it goodbye," the ever-hip and contemporary octagenarian announced: "I'd like to dedicate this song to Paris Hilton." Then guitarist Gray Sargent played a solo and snuck in the melody line from "I Love Paris."

Bennett gave lots of room and recognition to his four fine musicians. And he is the rare star who actually listens to and clearly appreciates what his sidemen play.

Bennett also afforded his daughter Antonia, 29, an opportunity to sing three songs. While this was less indulgent than Eddie Van Halen enlisting his 16-year-old son Wolfgang to play bass for Van Halen's tour, there weren't many musical rewards as Antonia, with a girlish but sexy voice, interpreted some Cole Porter and other classics.

If there was anything else that was disappointing, it was that Bennett did not offer an encore. Of course, he is performing again tonight at the Mystic Showroom -- but the concert has long been sold out.

Jon Bream • 612-673-1719

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For a set list and fan comments, go to startribune.com/poplife.

Jon Bream • popmusic@startribune.com