Various - Blue Note Plays Gershwin (1999)

"Blue Note Plays Gershwin" (1999) is a jazz tribute album featuring several renowned artists from the Blue Note Records roster, interpreting the music of legendary American composer George Gershwin. The album brings a fresh, jazz-infused perspective to Gershwin's iconic compositions, blending the richness of his melodies with the improvisational spirit of modern jazz.

Tracklist

1. They Can't Take That Away From Me - Stanley Turrentine
2. Embraceable You - Jimmy Smith & Jackie McLean
3. Our Love Is Here To Stay - Dexter Gordon
4. Soon - Benny Green
5. Summertime - Kenny Burrell & Grover Washington
6. I've Got A Crush On You - Ike Quebec
7. Love Walked In - Sonny Clark
8. The Man I Love - Lou Donaldson
9. Mine - Herbie Nichols
10. Someone To Watch Over Me - Joe Lovano
Various - Blue Note Plays Gershwin (1999)

Throughout the years, Blue Note has boasted a rich, varied roster more often than not, and their artists frequently tackled standards on their records. Therefore, it only makes sense that the label decided to compile several highlights from these standards as the Blue Note Plays series in 1999. Blue Note Plays Gershwin contains ten highlights from five different decades. It's a lot of time to cover, and it has to be said that a lot of great performances were left in the vaults. Nevertheless, what is here is very good indeed, whether it's Stanley Turrentine's "They Can't Take that Away from Me," Dexter Gordon's "Our Love Is Here to Stay," Benny Green's "Soon" & Ike Quebec's "I've Got a Crush on You," or Sonny Clark's "Love Walked In," Lou Donaldson's "The Man I Love," Jimmy Smith & Jackie McLean's "Embraceable You" or Joe Lovano's "Someone to Watch Over Me." All the performances are stylish and accomplished, making this an excellent bargain-priced sampler. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine