The Complete Gershwin Songbooks [Box set]

The Gershwin Songbook (Series) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 1995)
• Original Release Date: October 24, 1995
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Verve/PolyGram Records
• ASIN: B000004709
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,584 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. They Can't Take That Away from Me

2. Summertime

3. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

4. Embraceable You

5. But Not for Me

6. They All Laughed

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. I Got Rhythm

2. Nice Work If You Can Get It

3. Embraceable You

4. Who Cares?

5. A Woman Is a Sometime Thing

6. Love Walked In

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Fascinating Rhythm

2. My Man's Gone Now

3. Mine

4. How Long Has This Been Going On?

5. Somebody Loves Me

6. Prelude II

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, July 24, 2000

By 

Xeneri - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Gershwin Songbooks (Audio CD)

This collection exemplifies what made Gershwin so great. A prolific songwriter, Gershwin attracted many wonderful vocalists eager to express their rendition of his works. This collection showcases the talents of some of the greats: Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Holiday, Louis Armstrong and the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald to name a few. A terrific addition to your collection.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars essential for the Gershwin-minded jazz listener, May 15, 2007

By 

The Delite Rancher (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Complete Gershwin Songbooks (Audio CD)

While each of the three discs can be purchased separately, their individual strengths make "The Complete Gershwin Songbooks" very worthwhile. Since the music of George and Ira Gershwin has been recycled so many times, what makes this collection so valuable? This question can be answered with two words: quality control. The vintage musical choices are stellar. Many of the versions are sublime. The performers are first rate featuring Bing Crosby, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, Clifford Brown, Art Tatum and so the list of luminaries goes on. In terms of genres, the music could be described as straight jazz, not excluding a jigger of croonerism and big band. This compilation will resonate with jazz purists who find the original stage versions a tad corny. "'S Marvelous" and "'S Wonderful" feature vocal interpretations. There are several candidates for definitive versions. Armstrong & Fitzgerald's 'Let's Call The Whole Thing Off,' Holiday's 'Nice Work If You Can Get It' and Armstrong's 'There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon' may be the ultimate versions of these standards. Those who believe that Sinatra performed the conclusive version of 'A Foggy Day' should listen to Dinah Washington's rendition. "'S Paradise" features instrumental music. Bill Evans and Jim Hall shine on the elegantly somber 'My Man's Gone Now.' Expectedly, Oscar Peterson dazzles on 'Strike Up The Band.' Featuring each track's personnel and any significant background information, the liner notes are detailed. The box is attractive and features Art Deco flappers painting the town red. The three discs can be individually acquired for a fraction of the box set's price through Amazon's marketplace sellers. "The Complete Gershwin Songbooks" is essential for any listener who appreciates both jazz and the music of Gershwin.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great selection from verve's great years, March 2, 2006

By 

Fraserw (Buckingham, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Gershwin Songbooks (Audio CD)

This is a great selection on the Verve label of many of their best artists performing George Gershwin's songbook, recorded certainly mostly during the 50's. From Billie Holiday to Louis, Ella, Blossom and Fred. these are classic versions of classic songs, the recording quality is excellent, the programming is spot on and of course the songs are of the best.
3 Cd's and over three hours so good value, enjoy!