CD Review: The Very Best of Gershwin (Decca)

I bought this CD when I was 18, and it was my first jazz album. And what a great introduction! The album consists of two CDs: the first features the great jazz vocalists (as well as Oscar Peterson) with their renditions of great Gershwin songs. the second CD has various American orchestras playing the most popular suites and overtures, and of course includes "Rhapsody in Blue".

My favourite track has to be #2, in which Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong sing "Summertime". It is musical perfection. From the swelling sounds of the orchestra, to the contrast of smooth Ella and sandpaper Louis - definitely one of my favourite songs ever. This, together with the two other Ella tracks on this album ("Oh, Lady Be Good" and "Embraceable You") were the starting point for my Ella obsession :-)

Other highlights for me are tracks by Sarah Vaughan, Shirley Horn, Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day and Dinah Washington.

If you're looking for a good sampling of Gershwin, or just jazz generally, I highly recommend this album.