Search - Gershwin, Pierre Huybregts :: Celebration / Arrangements for 2 Pianos

Well done tribute to the immortal George Gershwin

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fascinatin' Rhythm: Capitol Sings George Gershwin is a pretty good album but there are one or two flaws. The quality of the sound is quite good; and the artwork is excellent. However, for those of us who want Gershwin's complete "Rhapsody In Blue;" you'll have to look elsewhere--I assume that time limitations on the CD made it impossible to record the full number here. Sigh. Oh, well.



Freddy Martin and His Orchestra play a shortened version of "Rhapsody In Blue;" we don't get the whole number but what they do play is absolutely beautiful. This is definitely my favorite rendition of this number! (Sssh, don't tell Gershwin!) In addition, we also get a fine treatment of "But Not For Me" by the great Margaret Whiting. Margaret sings this with grace and style and I really like this number. The horns do great on "But Not For Me," too. There's also The Nat King Cole Trio performing "Embraceable You;" Nat sings this with panache and his piano playing couldn't be better. Nat's voice never sounded better!



Ann Richards sings "I Got Rhythm" with a rather jazzy musical arrangement; her delivery plays with the tempo to allow Ann to place her own stamp on this classic ballad. Liza Minnelli's "I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise" is very elegant; Liza's younger voice is rich, warm and vibrant--terrific! "Nice Work If You Can Get It" is performed by Jeri Southern; and Jeri does a wonderful job on "Nice Work If You Can Get It." "'S Wonderful" is absolutely heavenly when the great Julie London sings it; I predict that you'll enjoy London's version of "'S Wonderful" very, very much.



Judy Garland sings "Swanee" from a live performance; Judy is totally in command and her rapport with her adoring audience is very positive. Impressive! "They Can't Take That Away From Me" by Peggy lee is perfectly done; Peggy Lee stands front and center and that's right where she belongs! This romantic Gershwin tune gets a fine treatment from the immortal Peggy Lee. June Christy also does a fabulous interpretation of "How Long Has This Been Goin' On;" June never skips a beat not does she ever sing a superfluous note!



Kate Smith contributes a fine rendition of "Who Cares (As Long As You Care For Me);" "Who Cares (As Long As You Care For Me)" still shines so brightly and Kate's delivery of this song is absolutely timeless. Keely Smith sings a great version of "The Man I Love;" and the CD ends strong with Anna Maria Alberghetti performing a wonderful rendition of "I've Got A Crush On You." "I've Got A Crush On You" by Anna Maria makes a strong ending for this album.



Gershwin fans will want this CD; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will enjoy this CD as well.



Thank you, George Gershwin! We will never forget you!

"

I'm not a critic

R. Qualls | Appleton, WI | 10/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just know what I like and I like this. The artist does a fine job with great material. I am searching for more of her work."

Great Gershwin CD!

Carol D. Nastasi | NY | 09/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a Gershwin fan since my father introduced me to George Gershwin's music, when I was very young. This CD greatly enhances my Gershwin collection!"