The most original Gerswhin collection
N. Dorward | 04/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chris Connor recorded her Gershwin collection about the time Sarah Vaughan was doing hers. They were released about the same time and both sold equally, rather than competed for sales, because they were so different. Sarah's glorious album is pop-centered in terms of approach and large orchestral arrangements, though she can't help but take a jazz point of view on her vocals. It's a superb album and the C.D. version is even better, with alternate takes and portions of recording sessions. Chris' album was totally jazz in approach, relying on small jazz combos for accompaniment and approaching virtually every song as if it had never been sung before. When this album was released Chris was about a year into her career at Atlantic Records, a career that out of the gate aroused gigantic record sales unusual for a jazz artist. This albuma actually was recorded after "A Jazz Date," but that album eventually appeared two albums later (trivia for you Chris buffs). This a low-key, cool album with an intellectual approach to the material. Forty-five years after its first release it remains provocative, endlessly listenable and just as hip as can be. The extra tracks are Chris recordings of Gershwin songs originally on other albums (the Maynard Ferguson tracks all were released before, incidentally) and make the C.D. version even more attractive. Yes, when you see the photos you'll note that at this point Chris and Doris Day resembled each other. Interestingly, Chris was/is a gigantic Doris Day fan and Doris was/is a gigantic Chris fan. As an artist and individual, Chris has long been one of the most popular people in show business. She's so UNshowbizzy, so matter of fact, so interested in so many things, such a walking expert on obscure show tunes and little-known gems by master composers, such an intelligent and cool lady. It's too bad the public only got to know her through her songs--the person herself is so outstanding, too! The resurgence of interest in Chris Connor among young listeners is so thrilling. For a long time she simply was forgotten. Now she's big business again--what a joy that must be for her and what a lucky thing for all lovers of good music. And if you've seen or heard Chris Connor lately you know she is right this minute at the top of her form. Don't miss this wonderful album. George Gershwin would have loved it, Ira Gershwin did love it, and you will too."
Perfect Fit
N. Dorward | 10/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After forty plus years, this material remains timeless, as a good classic ought. It's repeatedly listenable; reveals something new every time; has many moments one awaits with anticipation. The Gershwins will continue to get ever greater in apprehension of their place in Music as time goes by. Everybody takes a crack at interpreting the Gershwins, but not even Ella nor Sassy nail it like Chris Connor has."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
