Search - George Gershwin, Barbara Hendricks, Paul Bateman, Geoffrey Keezer, Ira Coleman, Ed Thigpen Guildhall Strings :: Barbara Hendricks - Tribute to George Gershwin ~ It's Wonderful

Hendricks proves crossover chops!

08/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most opera singers have thrown their attempts into the ring with musical theatre, pop and jazz recordings, including Hampson, von Stade, Ramey, etc. Many involve an overly operatic style, uncredible to the ears of musical theatre goers. This recording can easily be added to the crossover successes of the late Eileen Farrell and the highly versatile, lyric Dawn Upshaw.The Porgy & Bess medley has shown how far Hendricks has come since her first recording as Clara in the mid 1970s. This set from Gershwin's folk opera showcases a versatility of lucious chest tones, bluesy sadness (My man's gone now & I loves you Porgy), energetic jazz (It ain't necessarily so) and soaring high notes (I'm on my way) which blend her worldly operatic training with her childhood of singing gospel and spirituals in her minister father's church.A wonderful, blended style adds grace to "How long has this been going on?" and "The man I love", but the real charm surprisingly lies in the faster tracks of "Lady be good", "Somebody loves me" and "Fascinating Rhythm." This album is a winner for Hendricks fans, and should prove intriguing to the musical theatre and jazz afficionados as well."