BILL CHARLAP - Plays George Gershwin : The American Soul (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bill Charlap, a versatile pianist based in swing who is also a longtime member of the Phil Woods Quintet, pays tribute to the great George Gershwin throughout this likable set. Although some of the ten Gershwin songs are slightly modernized, the music is very much in the tradition. There are up to four horns on some numbers, with the best individual moments coming from veteran tenor Frank Wess on "How Long Has This Been Going On" (sounding a bit like Paul Gonsalves), trombonist Slide Hampton on "A Foggy Day," and altoist Woods whenever he plays. Charlap's longtime trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington is featured on "Who Cares?," and Charlap takes the brief closing "Soon" as an unaccompanied solo. Nothing all that revolutionary or revelatory occurs but the music is pleasing overall, swinging and creative within its boundaries. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Who Cares?    3:24
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2    Somebody Loves Me    6:39
Buddy DeSylva / Ballard MacDonald
3    Liza    2:14
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Khan
4    How Long Has This Been Going    6:21
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
5    A Foggy Day    9:03
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
6    'S Wonderful    5:44
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
7    I Was So Young    3:53
Grshwin / Caesar / Bryon
8    Bess, You Is My Woman Now    6:54
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Heyward
9    Nice Work If You Can Get It    5:18
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
10    Soon    1:41
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Phil Woods
Bass – Peter Washington
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano, Arranged By– Bill Charlap
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess
Trombone – Slide Hampton
Trumpet – Nicholas Payton