'S Wonderful: The Gershwin Songbook

The Gershwin Songbook (Series)

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 22, 1992)
• Original Release Date: September 22, 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000046LZ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #215,478 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 's wonderful!, July 4, 2000

By	jamie (middle of nowhere, texas) - See all my reviews

sung by those who do it so well-ella fitagerald, louis armstrong, joe williams, helen merrill, and even nina simone-the songs on this album shows the versatile range of george and ira, as well as the timelessness of the music-i am a gershwin fan, but even if you have never heard of any of their music, you will love this album-definantly worth every penny!

5.0 out of 5 stars essential for the Gershwin-minded jazz listener, June 7, 2007

By	The Delite Rancher (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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, Fred Astaire 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. There are several candidates for definitive versions. Armstrong & Fitzgerald's 'Let's Call The Whole Thing Off,' Holiday's 'They Can't Take That Away From Me' and Armstrong's 'There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon' may be the ultimate versions of these standards. Helen Merrill's 'Summertime' also melts from her sultry vocals. Featuring each track's personnel and any significant background information, the liner notes are detailed. "'S Wonderful" is part of "The Complete Gershwin Songbooks," a three disc box set. Not only is this is stronger than the other vocal disc ("'S Marvelous"), "'S Wonderful" is the overall stand out. That written, all three discs are very worthwhile. By purchasing the individual discs through Amazon's marketplace sellers, the set can be acquired for a fraction of the box set's price. "'S Wonderful" is essential for any listener who appreciates both jazz and the music of Gershwin.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is wonderful!, December 2, 2008

By	James Durney (Tampa Bay area) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Gershwin songs, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Amrstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Fred Astaire. Unless you hate this type of music what is not to like? Each track is as good or better than the previous track. 16 timeless Gershwin classic sung by the people that made them classics. I cannot pick a best track on this CD. Is Billie Holiday singing They Can't take that away from me a better track than Ella Fitzgerald singin How long has this been going on?

This is over an hour, 16 tracks, of music that has stood the test of time. Make sure you buy 'S Marvelous on the same order. Yes, you will want both of them. They are two great Gershwin CDs and belong in any collection.