Music Album Review: ‘Kiri Sings Gershwin’: A Swinging Tribute to Timeless Classics

Kiri Sings Gershwin (1990)

Label: EMI Records

Genre: Standards/Crossovers

Artists: Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano), John McGlinn (conductor), New Princess Orchestra

Release Date: October 25, 1990

Regular readers of this blog won’t be surprised. Still, I seem to follow the beat of a different drummer because I prefer older musical styles to contemporary ones, especially when it comes to popular music. Having enjoyed Kiri Sings Kern, I recently listened to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s earlier compilation of standards by George Gershwin and various lyricists, including his brother Ira, Kiri Sings Gershwin.

This album, a delightful homage to Gershwin’s’ timeless compositions, features the esteemed conductor John McGlinn leading the New Princess Theater Orchestra. Their collaboration with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa brings a fresh yet nostalgic interpretation of these classic tunes, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and emotive expression.

Instead of the usual academic spiel, let’s dive into why this album rocks—or perhaps “swings” is more fitting. Picture yourself in a smoky 1930s jazz club, where Dame Kiri’s voice effortlessly transports you back in time. Her vibrant takes on Gershwin’s classics are like sipping on a perfectly mixed cocktail—smooth, delightful, and leaving you wanting more. From the moment you hit play, you’re in for a journey through musical history, guided by one of the finest voices of our time.

Track List:

1. Somebody Loves Me(Lyrics By – Ballard MacDonald, B.G. De Sylva; Orchestrated By – Maurice De Pakh) – 3:00

2. Boy Wanted (Lyrics By – Desmond Carter, Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Frank Saddler) – 2:32

3. Things Are Looking Up (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Robert Russell Bennett) – 3:21

4. Love Walked In (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Edward Powell) – 3:06

5. Love Is Here To Stay (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Edward Powell) – 2:44

6. Someone To Watch Over Me (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Hilding Anderson) – 2:40

7. But Not For Me (Ensemble – New York Choral Artists; Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Robert Russell Bennett) – 2:53

8. Summertime (Lyrics By – DuBose Heyward; Orchestrated By – George Gershwin) – 2:40

9. The Man I Love (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – William Daly) – 3:31

10. Soon (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Sol Berkowitz) – 2:50

11. Meadow Serenade (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Larry Moore, Maurice Peress) – 2:44

12. Nice Work If You Can Get It (Ensemble – New York Choral Artists; Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Robert Russell Bennett) – 2:41

13. By Strauss (Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Russell Warner) – 2:47

14. Embraceable You(Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Robert Russell Bennett) – 4:31

15. I Got Rhythm (Ensemble – The Foursome; Lyrics By – Ira Gershwin; Orchestrated By – Robert Russell Bennett)

My Take

Some readers might be surprised to find Dame Kiri Te Kanawa covering standards, considering her renown as an opera singer. However, in her youth, she sang pop songs before honing her craft as a soprano in university. Standards attract singers from various genres due to their expression of universal feelings and enduring appeal to listeners. Dame Kiri seems to have thoroughly enjoyed working on this album, as each number is performed with self-assurance, enthusiasm, and crystalline clarity. I was familiar with eight of the songs, underscoring Gershwin’s prominence and staying power in the Great American Songbook.

Having thoroughly enjoyed both Kiri Sings Kern and Kiri Sings Gershwin, I can only imagine the charm and elegance she brings to her other “Kiri Sings…” albums. While my musical tastes are quite eclectic, with a fondness for artists like Billy Joel, The Beatles, and John Denver, my passion for standards remains unwavering. This album is a testament to the timeless allure of the Great American Songbook, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates great music, enjoys genre crossovers, or wishes to explore these classic melodies. Each track is a gem, imbued with Dame Kiri’s unique artistry and enthusiasm.

Outstanding Songs:

• Love Walked In
• Summertime
• But Not For Me
• Love is Here to Stay
• Someone to Watch for Me
• The Man I Love