The Glory of Gershwin

Given the fact that George Gershwin was one of the greatest composers of the last hundred years, it seems that it would be easy to assemble a tribute album to him. Glory of Gershwin proves that this isn't the case, simply by offering poor arrangements of great songs by singers who can't handle the material. Artists like Sting and Elvis Costello are weighed down by their literary and musical pretensions, and their contributions show why Glory of Gershwin is a failure; they sound smug and self-conscious, aware that they are singing some "serious music." There is no fun on this tribute, only reverence, which is a shame. Gershwin's music was many things, but it was hardly dull; Glory of Gershwin is anything but exciting.