Someone To Watch Over Me: The Songs of George Gershwin by Susannah McCorkle

29 Jun

Written by Lee Prosser
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I have listened to this CD collection several times now, and my verdict is: This is one of the finest jazz vocal collections available on the songs of composer George Gershwin, interpreted by Susannah McCorkle. The singer's voice fits each song perfectly, as if Gershwin had her in mind when he wrote these lovely classic songs.

There are 15 songs in this collection, SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME: THE SONGS OF GEORGE GERSHWIN. Among the songs are found "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Love Walked In," "I Love You Porgy," "Summertime," "Will You Remember Me?/Drifting Along With The Tide" medley,"'S Wonderful," among others. Susannah McCorkle gives one of the very finest renditions ever made of "Love Walked In." She is perfect on "I Got Rhythm" and "It Ain't Necessarily So." Give a listen to the lively performance of "I Got Rhythm."

The solo work on this collection is outstanding, and please take special note on the performances of Randy Sandke on trumpet and Conrad Herwig on trombone for exceptional solo interpretations. It is evident that the musicians and the singer are an excellent collaboration, and the joy of the performances comes across readily to the listening audience. Every performer is topnotch in this collection of Gershwin songs.

Excellent production values. Flawless. This one should be in every Gershwin collector's home CD collection, and a must-have for Susannah McCorkle fans. McCorkle's phrasing and delivery is entertaining and enjoyable.

There will never be another jazz vocalist just like Susannah McCorkle. She died on May 19, 2001.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Susannah McCorkle
CD Title: Someone To Watch Over Me: The Songs of George Gershwin
Genre: Jazz Vocals
Year Released: 1998
Record Label: Concord Records
Musicians: Susannah McCorkle, vocals. Allen Farnham, music director, piano, synth. Chris Potter, tenor saxophone, alto flute. Howard Alden, guitar. Randy Sandke, trumpet, flugelhorn. Conrad Herwig, trombone. Jerry Dodgion, alto sax & alto flute. Rich DeRosa, drums. Steve Gilmore, bass. Dick Sarpola, bass.
Label Website: http://www.concordrecords.com
Rating: Five Stars