Jazz Recording Session

From the Jazz in Clear Water - "Rhapsody" liner notes:

...Adding more depth to the ensemble's program is a historical rendition of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" originally performed by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. As director Robert Baca recalls, "Our attempt was to reenact the 1924 Aolean Hall concert where this piece was first performed. Needless to say this recording sounds different from modern day renditions, but we felt it necessary to capture the original mood gained by hearing the work as originally intended."

...Faculty pianist Penelope Cecchini captures Gershwin's intention with great musical magnitude. Her performance floats through technically delicate passages almost to the point of being whispered and, in contrasting sections, maneuvering with the energy of a freight train. Listen for the dynamics on this one. The ensemble captures it all, from the softest pianissimo to the most powerful moments. A terrific composition played to the hilt, like the entire set, captured in every nuance by engineer, John Scherf, of the Twin Cities premiere Studio M. Bravo!

--Ted Allison, Program Director
KBEM Radio-Twin Cities