Rita Reys Sings The George Gershwin Songbook

Album Description

Rita Reys' sublime tribute to the legendary George Gershwin, 'Rita Reys Sings The George Gershwin Songbook', is a masterclass in vocal jazz. Released on 16 November 1975 via Columbia, this 12-track album is a testament to Rita Reys' incredible talent, as she breathes new life into some of Gershwin's most beloved compositions.

With a duration of 43 minutes, this album is a succinct yet impactful journey through the Gershwin canon, featuring timeless classics such as 'Embraceable You', 'Oh, Lady Be Good!', and 'Summertime'. Rita Reys' interpretations are both faithful and innovative, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and emotional depth.

Backed by the skilled accompaniment of Pim Jacobs and Rogier Van Otterloo, Rita Reys delivers a truly unforgettable performance. Her voice soars on tracks like 'The Man I Love' and 'Someone to Watch Over Me', while also conveying the poignant intimacy of 'I Loves You Porgy' and 'Love Is Here to Stay'.

This album is a must-listen for fans of vocal jazz and the Great American Songbook. Rita Reys' 'Rita Reys Sings The George Gershwin Songbook' is a beautifully crafted tribute that will leave you enchanted and eager to revisit the magic of Gershwin's music.

16 nov 1975

(P) 1975 Sony Music Entertainment (Holland) B.V.

About Rita Reys

Rita Reys, hailed as "Europe's First Lady of Jazz," was a legendary Dutch jazz singer whose career spanned over six decades. Born in Rotterdam in 1924, Reys' velvety vocals and captivating stage presence made her one of the most renowned jazz singers in Europe from the mid-1950s until the turn of the millennium. Her journey took her from the vibrant jazz clubs of Amsterdam to the prestigious stages of the North Sea Jazz Festival, where she performed multiple times. Reys collaborated with numerous jazz legends, including Art Blakey and Oliver Nelson, and her discography boasts hundreds of recordings, with standout albums like "The Cool Voice of Rita Reys." Her personal life was also intertwined with her music, marrying twice—first to Wes Ilcken and later to pianist Pim Jacobs. Reys' contributions to jazz earned her the Edison Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, cementing her status as one of the greatest jazz vocalists from the Netherlands.