We Got Rhythm: Gershwin Songbook

by Ken DrydenAndre Previn moves seamlessly from the world of classical music to jazz and film, but on this occasion, the pianist covers fourteen gems from the vast repertoire of George Gerswhin. Well accompanied by bassist David Finck, the duo face the same challenge every jazz musician must address: finding new paths through Gershwin's frequently recorded masterpieces. Previn uses a train-like bass line substitution to open and close a rollicking take of "They All Laughed," while the pianist is more laid back in the bluesy treatment of "Lady Be Good" to better feature Finck initially. Previn's modification of "I Got Rhythm" provides some added dissonance. The haunting setting of the ballad "The Man I Love" suggests an added degree of melancholy. While this session was released on a classical label Deutsche Grammophon, something that always seems to confuse record label marketing departments, music store personnel and consumers as well, it is very much a jazz date and a fine effort by Andre Previn and David Finck.