Customer Reviews

Porgy & Bess

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

 

 

I have always loved Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, the story and the music. And this album is a glorious take on it. Joe, along with other talented musicians....Tommy Flanagan on piano, Jack DeJohnette on drums, John Schofield on guitars, Dave Holland on bass, Stefon Harris on vibes, and Conrad Herwig on trombone make for a wonderful jazz album. And add to that, Chaka Khan's vocals on "Summertime" and Sting's vocals on "It ain't necessarily so". The booklet comes with a synopsis of the plot, so you can follow the music along with the storyline. Especially good for those people who aren't familiar with the story.

Joe Henderson fluidly explores a Gershwin classic, the opera Porgy and Bess, unfolding the lines of one of America's greatest composers playfully and skillfully.

Henderson employs talented musicians (including himself) to sketch a beautiful rendition of this haunting story. Most Gershwin phrases are memorable, but this retelling is even more enchanting.

It is a wonderful CD, enhanced magnificently by Chaka Khan's exquisite work on "Summertime."

If you like smooth, sophisticated sounds, this CD is for you.

The elements of Joe flow throughout the session, you can hear of his signature sound and jazz vocabulary constantly at work.

A fabulous session by the master tenor sound weaver.

I searched for this album simply for the rendition of There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York. Turns out the entire CD is tight. Recommended for fans of Porgy.