Porgy And Bess (1956 Studio Cast) [Cast Recording]

Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, Mel Torme, Frances Faye, Betty Roche | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B00000JZB4
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #347,808 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Medley

2. Narration

3. Summertime

4. Narration

5. A Woman Is a Sometime Thing

6. Medley

7. Narration

8. Evenin' Ladies, Hello Boys...

9. Narration

10. No, No, Brother, Porgy Ain's Soft on No Woman...

See all 41 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Narration

2. Narration (Scene: Storm)

3. Oh, Doctor Jesus

4. Oh, Dere's Sombody Knockin' at de Do'...

5. Oh, Lawd, What I Goin' Do?...

6. A Red-Headed Woman...

7. Narration

8. Clara, Clara, Don't You Be Downhearted

9. Narration

10. Summertime

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is A "Keeper", August 24, 2002

By 

Maxine Bradley "voracious reader of paperbacks" (Victorville, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porgy And Bess (1956 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

When I discovered that this great Jazz classic had been released on CD, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven! I have the original vinyl, but no turntable, and was certain that I'd never hear it again, so I am a very happy camper.
I have seen criticisms of the narration by Al (Jazzbo) Collins which is laid back and understated, which in my opinion is entirely appropriate.
Certain critics have questioned the selection of Mel Torme and Francis Faye as Porgy & Bess, but I think they just don't get it. (This is JAZZ opera). They were both wonderful. Especially Frances Faye whose passionate rendition of "I Loves You Porgy" almost makes one forget her raunchy night club act.
Add to Torme & Faye the beautiful vocals of Sally Blair and Betty Roche and an unbelievable assortment of jazz musicians (some of the greatest of the day), and you have an experience to remember.
Every time I listen to it, I discover something new.
For those that complain about the quality of the remastering, just let me say, I agree that it is not the finest, but since the alternative is not hearing those great vocals and instrumentals, I'll take it. It is still a lot better than the scratchy old vinyl.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most incredible performance I have ever heard., November 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Porgy And Bess (1956 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

This is the classic to end all classics. It's too bad that there are only 5 stars. This one deserves a 10. Mel Torme is incredible and Francis Faye is beyond description. Gershwin's music, the arrangements and the bands are superb!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No jazz collection is complete without this Porgy and Bess, November 7, 1999

By 

Robert Denne (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porgy And Bess (1956 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

You'd better jump on this! What can you say, Duke Ellington, Mel Torme, Francis Faye, Johnny Hartmen, Bette Roche, Russ Garcia, all at the top of their game. I have been waiting for this a long time. The 1956 vinyl set of this classic was released a few years before stereo. I bought the original release, which somehow diappeared when I went off to service. But luckily, I was able purchased it again on vinyl in the 70ds (again no stereo). The re-mastered CD has got to be something else.