André Previn moves seamlessly from the world of classical music to jazz and film, but on this occasion, the pianist covers 14 gems from the vast repertoire of
George Gershwin. Well accompanied by bassist
David Finck,
Previn faces the same challenge every jazz musician must address: finding new paths through
Gershwin's frequently recorded masterpieces.
Previn uses a train-like bassline substitution to open and close a rollicking take of "They All Laughed," while the pianist is more laid-back in the bluesy treatment of "Oh, Lady Be Good" to better feature
Finck initially.
Previn's modification of "I Got Rhythm" provides some added dissonance. The haunting setting of the ballad "The Man I Love" suggests an added degree of melancholy. While this session was released on a classical label, Deutsche Grammophon, something that always seems to confuse record-label marketing departments, music store personnel, and consumers as well, it is very much a jazz date and a fine effort by
André Previn and
David Finck. ~ Ken Dryden