Search - Dave Grusin :: The Gershwin Connection

One of My All-Time Favorites

Tracy H. Slagter | Oshkosh, WI | 02/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a Gerswhin fan for many, many years, and have several CD compilations of his music. This recording by Dave Grusin, however, is perhaps my favorite. It was actually the first Gershwin collection I purchased (on a cassette tape back in the early 1990s), and I still listen to it so much that I've worn out the tape and two CDs.



Dave Grusin is a true master, and he and the all-star cast of musicians he has assembled on this recording are respectful of Gershwin's music. The creativity of the musicians is astounding. The music flows from them effortlessly, but it all feels well-considered and "tight." Even though there are improvisational stretches in some of the pieces, they fit in to the score so seamlessly that you'd think Gerswhin had placed them there himself.



The final track, "Bess You Is My Woman/I Loves You Porgy" is simply breathtaking. If you buy this CD for no other reason than to hear the final track, it will be worth your money."

The best heartfelt rendition!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 09/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This musical rendezvous offered by Dave Cruisin surpassed all my previous expectations.

From the first bars of any track randomly elected, you will be immersed immediately in the most sincere and idiomatic surrounding. The arrangements are simply exquisite and every musician was enraptured to his own. John Patitucci confirms why he was on the top of the line in the list of the best bassists of his generation. Eddie Daniels is simply gorgeous in Clarinet in the track Soon. Gary Burton in the vibraphones, singly spectacular. Chick Corea and Dave make an unforgettable duet in ¨S wonderful. The established Chemistry between Eric Marienthal in Alto Saxophone and Sal Márquez Trumpet, is unequalled. Dave Weckl and Sonny Emory are terrific in the drums too. Finally it' s meritorious the collaboration of Lee Ritenour in Our love is here to stay.

There is no hole in any track. But between you and me if you required my opinion about the three best racks of this golden album I would choose I've got plenty of nothing, in first place, Maybe and Fascinating Rhythm.

The idea of open the CD with the same composer playing himself (That certain feeling) was fascinating, it is like to relive to Gershwin and imagining him smiling and happy with this homage of a group of friends.

I beg you earnestly to acquire this supreme tribute to George Gershwin and if you are a classic music lover - as I do - , the petition would be double.

Recommended without reserves. The best Smooth Jazz album of 1991. And the sound is simply out of this world. GRP made a superb mastering effort.



"

Gershwin via Grusin

Robert Versher | Oakland, Ca USA | 06/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not familiar with the genius of the Gershwins beyond some Bio - documentary footage and word of mouth. So I would not recognize many of his works. However, I am familiar with the sound of Dave Grusin.....and as happens in his past works.....he delivers....with what has to be called "The Grusin Touch !". His Gershwin translations to modern Jazz interpretations are so exquisite.....they embrace you and take you on a sublime musical journey. Kudos to you Dave Grusin......YOU ARE THE JAZZ MAN !!!!"