George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess

[Guest Chaney]

From the Jazzmatazz upcoming list:

NEW George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess - 2 CDs (Shout! Factory) Aug 23

— originally released by Bethlehem in 1960 and includes the entire opera featuring performances by Mel Torme, Frances Faye, George Kirby, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and more.

Q: Has anyone heard this? Opinions?

Edited May 22, 2005 by Chaney

[Christiern]

It's an odd mish-mash, for sure, but I wouldn't ignore it. Admittedly, it has been years since I heard these tracks, but I used to play many of them when I was on the air; and I only played what pleased my ears.

BTW, you have the wrong year for the original release--it was actually 1956.

[J.A.W.]

BTW, you have the wrong year for the original release--it was actually 1956.

The wrong year for the original release is mentioned on Alan Lankin's Jazzmatazz site as copied in Tony's post.

[jazzbo]

I agree with Chris, this is a mixed bag, and when it's good. . . it's great!

I just listen to bits and pieces any more. This has been on US cd TWICE before this new one. The second time (in the Avenue Jazz series of Bethlehems) this had a few extra pieces I think.

[JSngry]

Is it true that the expense of this project pretty much rurnt Bethlehem, which up until then had been having a pretty good run? I know they stayed around for a while afterwards, but with less resources at their disposal. That's what I seem to have heard. Or something like that.

And who is Frances Faye anyway? For some reason, that's somebody I'v never been the least bit provoked into checking out, yet the name keeps popping up,

[Christiern]

Frances Faye was more of a cabaret singer/pianist than a jazz singer. A lesbian who made no bones about it (as it were), she sometimes prefaced her show with:

"My name is Frances Faye...

Gay gay gay...

Is there any other way?"

And that was pretty bold for the 1950s.

I really don't think P&B did Bethlehem in. Even when it first came out, one had the impression that most of the tracks were leftovers, or extra numbers from other sessions. It's really the kitchen sink Porgy and Bess, isn't it?

[jazzbo]

She was not an attractive woman. . .

She has an interesting delivery and style. . . for a few minutes at least.

You're not missing anything in my opinion.

[Chuck Nessa]

Frances Faye's brother Marty Faye was a popular disc jockey and television host in Chicago. I met him a few times and knew his daughter much better - wish I could remember her name.