To celebrate George Gershwin's centennial, the Monarch label (and flugelhornist
Dmitri Matheny) decided to record a tribute to the great composer. The personnel varies from track to track; of the dozen Gershwin songs, the only obscurity is "By Strauss." Most of the musicians are lesser-known (including clarinetist Dan Higgins, keyboardist
Mark Gasbarro, guitarist
Carl Verheyen and organist
Greg Mathieson) and singers Tim Davis and
Sandi Patty are far from famous themselves. In fact, the closest thing to a name on this CD is
Justo Almario, who is heard on one song apiece on tenor and flute. However, the inventive arrangements (which on five songs include a string section), the respect shown toward the classic melodies, and the excellent musicianship make this a worthwhile acquisition. ~ Scott Yanow