POP MUSIC REVIEW : BENNETT, SEVERINSEN SHOW AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Tony Bennett is one consistent singer. Over the course of an evening--or through a lengthy show-biz career--the man rarely lets you down.

Now 60, and obviously enjoying the success of his first album in a decade, Bennett displayed that warm, clear, easily digested voice in a well-paced mix of the old and new at Hollywood Bowl on Friday. (The program was repeated on Sunday.)

Backed sympathetically by veteran keyboard collaborator Ralph Sharon, drummer Joe LaBarbera and bass player Paul Langosch, plus the occasional string embellishment by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York-born singer seemed in total control during his set--never fading, never pushing. And never really peaking.

Even in the inevitable reading of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” Bennett pleased his audience without stirring it. Of course, when one contemplates how many times he’s probably traversed this chestnut over nearly a quarter-century, it’s a wonder he gave it as much commitment as he did.

The closest thing to a high point came in a luscious setting of Irving Berlin’s “I Got Lost in Her Arms.”

Though he still cannot resist a few of those shopworn lounge-act mannerisms--an arm thrust skyward, a never-ending series of “thank-you-ladies-and-gentlemen,” a non-stop show of adulation for the next songwriter--Bennett presented a likable, relaxed persona.

One delightful segment demonstrated just how secure he was: In salutes to the cartoon classics of Walt Disney, the leading ladies of MGM and the amazing dancing of Fred Astaire, Bennett willingly took a back seat to a series of neatly assembled film clips. While all eyes were glued to the two giant screens flanking the stage, he crooned, whistled and hummed through everything from “Someday Her Prince Will Come” to “Dancing in the Dark.”

It worked to perfection.

Not so perfect was the set by trumpeter-band leader Doc Severinsen, who proved a witty host, a brilliant trumpeter--but a lousy programmer.

The “Tonight Show” music director earned points among the 14,873 in attendance with two big-band tributes: a fun, five-trumpet tribute to Harry James, aided by a quartet of Philharmonic brass, and a predictable medley arranged by Tommy Newsom. But he lost steam in attempts at “serious” music: a humdrum reading of Bernstein’s “Candide” Overture, a forgettable opus for trumpet and orchestra called “Conversations,” and an unsmiling, unending set of variations on “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The only excitement was provided by Severinsen’s spangled suit.