Trudy Desmond - My One and Only: A Gershwin Celebration (1998)

On singer Trudy Desmond's strongest recording up to this point, she explores 13 George Gershwin songs, most of which have lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Rather than run through the usual "greatest hits," Desmond alternates well-known pieces with two that had been previously performed only as instrumentals ("Walking the Dog" and "Piano Prelude II") and a few lesser-known numbers. The arrangements are full of subtle surprises, often given unexpected rhythms. Desmond is assisted by a variety of rhythm section players including either Bill Mays, Don Thompson (doubling on vibes) or Doug Riley on piano, bassist Neil Swainson, drummer Ron Vincent, and Ed Bickert or Ted Quinlan on guitar. Recommended. © Scott Yanow