Paul Whiteman - Conducts George Gershwin

Throughout much of his career, Paul Whiteman was a champion of George Gershwin's music, commissioning "Rhapsody in Blue" and using that piece as his theme song. This CD mostly has previously unreleased music, including six performances taken from a Gershwin memorial concert recorded July 10, 1938, a year after the composer's death. Most of the music is outside of jazz, although trombonist Jack Teagarden pops up briefly during "I Got Rhythm" (which is part of a medley) and Maxine Sullivan sings "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Pianist Roy Bargy is showcased on "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Second Rhapsody," while the Lyn Murray Chorus make three appearances, and the Modernaires (before they joined Charlie Barnet and became famous with Glenn Miller) pop up twice. Read More