This is the second in a new Acrobat series which will be devoted to the illustrious composers who made significant contributions to the Great American Songbook - the songs written during the half-century or so from the dawn of the recording era, many from stage musicals or movies, other purely the product of Tin Pan Alley, which provided the core repertoire for many of the finest and most prominent vocalists, big bands and jazz musicians of those and subsequent decades.

This 41-track 2-CD collection brings together some of the best-known and most-performed songs and compositions by the great George Gershwin, who despite his tragic premature death from a brain tumour in 1937 at the age of 38, contributed some hugely important works to the popular music canon. The selected songs are presented here broadly in chronological order of their composition, almost all of them coming from stage shows or movies, using recordings from across the years since they were introduced, some by artists who were around to perform the songs when they were first introduced along with others who simply dipped into his rich catalogue of landmark songs for their singles releases or albums.

They include many collaborations with his lyricist brother Ira, along with other top lyricists of the era. Their interpretations reflect not only the melodic quality of his songs, but their timeless adaptability. It also includes noted full-length recordings of his ground-breaking orchestral works Rhapsody In Blue and An American In Paris. Its a highly entertaining showcase for the work of one of popular music's most talented and influential practitioners.

REVIEWS

“It is good that Acrobat also found room to include both Rhapsody In Blue and An American In Paris in full orchestral versions as these extended works are usually excluded from such compilations. I know there is hardly a shortage of Gershwin collections on the market, but this one can safely be added to the shortlist of the best.” - Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune)