Dull lounge music
03/08/1999
(1 out of 5 stars)
"The reviews of this album sounded pretty good, but we were disappointed. These are slicked-up smoothed-over versions of some great classics. Instead, I love George and Ira Gershwin "Standards and Gems" for a more authentic sound."
"Hip-O Records you've out done yourself"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 04/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This eighteen (18) track collection features George & Ira's collaboration with some of the greats and near greats performing their material. The good people at Hip-O have come up with some of the most diverse tracks ever gathered for a tribute album, and it is superb. From the beginning - Tony Bennett & Count Basie "STRIKE UP THE BAND", the Count has Tony swingin' in high time on this one - Ella Fitzgerald with Ellis Larkin "SOON" before her popular "Songbook Series" with Verve Records, Ella recorded this beautiful ballad on the DECCA label. Mel Torme "NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT" and "ISN'T IT A PITY" the "Velvet Fog" has never sounded better. Billie Holiday "EMBRACEABLE YOU" the song is a particular favorite of mine, and Billie knows what strings to pull to make it hers.A must own for any Gershwin fan. The sound quality is excellent, and the variety is exceptional. Hip-O you've out done yourself with this awesome compilation by one of the greatest composers of the century - GERSHWIN!Total Time: 56:54 on 18 Tracks/ Hip-O Records - HIPO 40120 (1998)"