The Daily Telegraph, Sydney, 29 January 1999
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HERE
TONY ADDS HIS OWN DASH OF COLOUR WHEN vintage crooner Tony Bennett doesn't have a microphone in his hand, he can usually be found swinging a paintbrush. And there's been more stroking than singing so far on his current Australian visit after a bout of bronchitis forced the 73-year-old to reschedule the opening dates of his tour in Queensland. "I'm just fine - I'm all better now," Bennett assured fans yesterday before a record and book signing session at the new Grace Bros city store. "I've been better for a week." Bennett spent that week of recuperation merrily staring out of his Gold Coast hotel window, taking in the sights and throwing them down on canvas. "It's wonderful there. I had a very nice suite with a full view of the great city. "There were four or five subjects which were nice." As has become customary during his trips to Australia, Bennett caught up with old friend and teacher, Melbourne-based water-colourist Robert Wade, for a quick refresher course. "You never stop learning," said Bennett. Out in the shopping mall, the range in age of fans waiting to meet the singer was testament to Bennett's extraordinary 50-year career in show business. He plays three consecutive nights at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney's Star City casino from tonight.
