AMG Review of Rhapsody in Blue [Blue Note]

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This CD sampler has 18 songs written by the Gershwins and recorded during a 24-year period for labels now owned by the Blue Note family. Featured are the Billy May Orchestra (playing a brief version of "Rhapsody In Blue"), Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Chet Baker ("But Not for Me"), Frank Rosolino, Julie London, Thelonious Monk ("Nice Work If You Can Get It"), Bill Evans and Bob Brookmeyer, Hank Jones, the Bill Potts big band, Louis Smith, Lee Morgan ("'S Wonderful"), Nat King Cole, Coleman Hawkins, John Lewis, Nancy Wilson ("Do It Again"), Ike Quebec, and Art Pepper ("Fascinating Rhythm"). The music is consistently excellent even if the programming (which is not in chronological order) seems somewhat random.