Susannah McCorkle

Throughout her career, singer Susannah McCorkle recorded many "songbook" sets dedicated to the music of a particular composer or lyricist. She followed up sets of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin in 1997 with a full program of George Gershwin's music. On this CD, McCorkle performs 15 Gershwin songs in settings ranging from an octet that includes tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, trumpeter Randy Sandke, trombonist Conrad Herwig, and altoist Jerry Dodgion to duets with guitarist Howard Alden ("I Loves You, Porgy"), bassist Dick Sarpola ("I Was Doing All Right" and "Love Walked In"), and her musical director, pianist Allen Farnham (a medley of "Will You Remember Me?" and "Drifting Along with the Tide"). Even when singing such well-known tunes as the title cut, "How Long Has This Been Going On," "I Got Rhythm" (to which she adds an introduction explaining Ira Gershwin's method of coming up with lyrics), and "'S Wonderful," McCorkle comes up with fresh variations and subtle creativity. Although one wishes that she had unearthed more Gershwin obscurities, listeners should be grateful that Susannah McCorkle recorded a long string of easily recommended vocal jazz albums during her lifetime. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide