Customer Reviews

Embraceable You: Romantic Songs of George Gershwin

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of all places, I first heard this CD playing in a gift-shop on Sanibel Island, Florida. As one who is attracted to the instrumental jazz ballad, I was quickly compelled (after a few minutes of listening) to ask the store clerk what CD this was, quite sure that it was probably Oscar Peterson or some other legend of the 'cool jazz' idiom. Instead, it was Beegie Adair, whom I'd never heard of. Now, not only have I heard of her, but I can't wait to hear more of her.

This CD is a collection of George Gershwin songs played by Nasvhille pianist Beegie Adair and her trio. And she is certainly more than suited to playing Gershwin, as her cool behind-the-beat piano stylings are some of the most lyrical I've heard. She is a terse player who, instead of using a whole slew of notes, manages to find just the right notes to solo with time and time again. Because of this, she is capable of filling the space to even the slowest of ballads (not to mention the mid-tempo stuff) with a delicate flair.

For those that have not heard Adair before, there are a few comparison's I can give. I was not suprised, for instance, when her website listed Oscar Peterson and Russ Freeman (Chet Baker Quartet) as two of her main influences. She has both the melodicism of Peterson and the cool, laid back approach of Freeman. Another comparison I might give is with the PIANO stylings of Diana Krall. Adair's solos, like Kralls, are delicate and understated but beautiful nonetheless (not to mention the obvious similarity in their song selections.)

To close, the only problem I had with this CD was that neither of the other instrumentalists (bass and drums) were given a chance to solo. Normally, I don't like bass or drum solos much, but 13 songs of all piano soloing can become a bit much if not broken up by other solos. Because of that, I find that the CD is hard to listen too all the way through; as beautiful as Adair's soloing ability is, it becomes a bit monotonous when that is ALL there is.

Still, I have to give this one 5 stars. Adair is just that good.

I have bought all her albums ever since I heard the "I'll take Romance" CD. Her music is relaxing and soothing. Unlike some jazz panist that gets too loud or wild with their music, her style is more calm but yet she makes the songs her own. Great for dinner parties. Great CD.

Ok..I'm going to rave now but this album is superb. The choice of songs is wonderful and the way Beegie Adair plays them is stunning. I've just discovered her but am truly going out to locate her other albums TODAY! Lovers of romantic jazz....don't miss her!

I have almost all of her CDs. At least 2-3 are always in my car CD player. It's perfect background music. She has a rich, full style that includes enough improv to make it interesting, but not so much that you can't tell what the piece is. Most of her music is from the big band era, my personal favorite, and her style complements that genre perfectly.

Another great Beegie album. The songs are among Gershwin's best and Beegie really goes to town on them. The trio is great!

I'm "cutting and pasting" the same review for all the Beegie Adair albums I'm purchasing, because I just ADORE her jazz piano styling! Each album is another jewel. I play the piano too, and wish that I could play like Beegie. If she can make me actually LIKE "Little Drummer Boy," that's really saying something! I've collected close to a dozen albums so far, and listen to her at home, in the car, and even in my classroom! Beegie's music is tasteful and soothing, but is never mawkish or cloying. Hers is high-class, technically pure romantic jazz. Her collections are all equally enticing! Beegie Adair is one of the best piano artists in the country.

If you love the wonderful, familiar tunes of a great composer (Gershwin) and an easy listening piano style of Beegie Adair then you will probably like this album. A musician myself, I really appreciate Beegie Adair's highly refined style and accomplished skill at the piano. I really enjoy and would highly recommend this album.

It's pure delight to relax with a glass of wine and glow of candle light listening to this wonderful music.

I was unfamiliar with Ms. Adair, but my wife's stepfather, a retired musician, gifted her with a couple of CD's, and so I discovered an impressive performer with a great sense of song selection. I have discs by jazz greats Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, and Oscar Peterson, among others, which are not superior to Ms. Adair's take on Gershwin. If you like melodic yet jazzy tinkling on the ivories, mostly mellow but not boring, something a step up from pure pop renderings, this one's for you.

This is just great. She's at her best. I have many of her albums, but this is the best one. Very listenable.