S" WONDERFUL-THAT'S GERSWHIN AND THAT'S DIANNE REEVES

S'Wonderful -That's Gershwin and That's Diane Reeves:  George and Ira Gershwin combined to write this delightful song that uses the letter " S' to introduce a number of adjectives like Wonderful. Marvellous and Exceptional rather than saying " It's Wonderful. It's marvellous etc. Not only does it indicate the playfulness with lyrics that are one hallmark of American songwriting, it works much better with the music George provided. For example if the song had started with " It Is Wonderful", it might have sounded like a German marching band tune, all stiff and unswinging.
This performance features Diane Reeves, a powerful and elegant singer who was influenced by the great Sara Vaughan but who manages to avoid some of Sara Vaughan's mannerisms that often bordered on the baroque. Sara also did a number of all Gershwin concerts with symphony orchestras conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas that showcased the Gershwin songs, masterful arrangements and Sara in full sway.
The Great American Songbook flourished with the landmark performances of its greatest advocates like Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald , Tony Bennett ,Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Cook and Mel Torme plus may other too numerous to mention.
But if this great cultural phenomenon  is to be continued and enriched, it needs contemporary performances and new approaches.
This is one example: You have a classic Gershwin song, sung by a singer who is the equal of the great pop and jazz divas of yesteryear in an arrangement by a new talent Vince Mendoza. Mendoza pays homage to Nelson Riddle in his introductory swinging flute passage while fashioning a unique style and sound of his own The concert is conducted sympathetically by Simon Ratlle , a British born conductor who demonstrates a natural affinity for the  uniquely American music and words of the Gershwins.
The Great American Songbook is in good hands when there are singers and arrangers like the ones showcased in S'Wonderful. Yes- " The Beat Goes On !"
Please listen to Reeves instrumental humming in the middle adding another voice to the orchestra just before there is a switch to a waltz tempo that echoes memories of a Viennese cafe setting.

PS  Gershwin's also wrote a song extolling Viennese music called " By Strauss" which was featured in MGM's " An American in Paris.'
LINK:  http://youtu.be/fmUE9CzQiD8