GERSHWIN BY GROFÉ:

Symphonic Jazz

Rhapsody in Blue

(original 'jazz band' 1924 version made by Grofé from the piano part as Gershwin composed), I got Rhythm Variations for Piano & Orchestra (original orchestration),

Yankee Doodle Blues (two versions, the second on a 1909 Edison Fireside phonograph using a wax cylinder and acoustic horn!),

The Man I Love (1st recording of this arrangement),

That Certain Feeling, Somebody Loves Me, Sweet and Low-down,

I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise, Fascinating Rhythm, Summertime

Lincoln Mayorga (piano)

Al Gallodoro (alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet)

Harmonie Ensemble / New York

Steven Richman (conductor)

In this swinging set of ‘symphonic jazz’, Steve Richman and the Harmonie Ensemble / New York recreate the original orchestrations made by Ferde Grofé for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. The programme features Gershwin’s immortal Rhapsody in Blue (with soloist Lincoln Mayorga and legendary reedman Al Gallodoro), the I Got Rhythm Variations, and a selection of George’s Broadway tunes, including Summertime in a beautiful reading by Al and Lincoln. Not to be missed is the acoustic (!) version of The Yankee Doodle Blues which the HE/NY recorded on a wax cylinder using a 1909 Edison Fireside phonograph.

“Richman’s spot-on sense of pacing, balance and emphasis guarantee that every Grofé-conjured utterance receives discerning and shapely animation. The ensemble and solo playing likely would bowl over both the composer and Whiteman.” Gramophone

Harmonia Mundi HMU907492