[ Decca Records / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 13 September 2024
Commemorating the 1924 premiere of Rhapsody in Blue, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet collaborates with Michael Feinstein, the 'one-man encyclopaedia of the Great American Songbook' to celebrate the magic of Gershwin. Gershwin Rhapsody sees best-loved Gershwin melodies sit alongside world-premiere recordings of four rediscovered Gershwin songs: 'Graceful and Elegant', 'Dance of the Waves', 'Sutton Place' and 'Under the Cinnamon Tree'. The album also includes a medley based on Rhapsody in Blue comprising a selection of piano duos, solos and Feinstein vocals featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin. The two also perform a Gershwin-esque setting of Vincent Youman's classic tune, 'Tea for Two' and the programme rounds off with 'Jasbo Brown Blues' from Porgy and Bess. Michael Feinstein and Jean-Yves Thibaudet extensively toured this programme around the US under the title 'Who Could Ask For Anything More?' including a date at Carnegie Hall.
"they know for certain how to put on a show! In whatever union, they sail through this Gershwin celebration with wit and style." Gramophone
"They show off Feinstein's improvisational skills and Thibaudet's concert-pianist virtuosity, in arrangements by Earl Wild, Tedd Firth and Feinstein himself. Two brief medleys on the Rhapsody just about justify the album's title but no one should mind. The playing is toe-tapping, witty and irresistible." The Guardian
Rhapsody in Blue
Someone to Watch over Me
Someone to Watch over Me (voice & piano)
I Got Rhythm
Embraceable You (voice & piano)
Wild: 7 Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin: No 4, Embraceable You
Sweet and Low-Down
Clap Yo' Hands
They Can't Take That Away From Me (voice & piano)
They Can't Take That Away From Me
The Man I Love / Rhapsody in Blue (Arr. for 2 Pianos)
Tea For Two
Prelude (Sleepless Night)
Graceful and Elegant
Our Love is Here to Stay (Arr. for Voice & 2 Pianos)
Dance Of The Waves
Rialto Ripples (Arr. for 2 Pianos)
Sutton Place
Under the Cinnamon Tree
Jasbo Brown