Gershwin's World

10/20/1998 3:00 AM, LAUNCH
Bob Gulla

On Gershwin's World, two artists who have garnered near universal acclaim for their explorations on both the classical and colloquial sides of music--George Gershwin and Herbie Hancock--meet at the proverbial crossroads to work out a few ideas: some jazz, some pop, some on the blue side, even some classical pieces. Hancock recasts a few Gershwin standards like "Embraceable You" (a stark, individualistic rendition) and "Overture (Fascinatin' Rhythm)" (an African drum extrapolation), giving them an expressive, luminous quality, but his real successes come when a few friends make special guest cameos. Joni Mitchell heats up "Summertime" and "The Man I Love," with sensuous, smoky vocals; Stevie Wonder feels the vibe on the groovin' "St. Louis Man," and opera singer Kathleen Battle provides haunting wordless singing on "Prelude in C# minor." Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra also turn in some fine performances, the latter transforming Gershwin's "Concerto In G" into a rare piece of haunting loveliness. Highly recommended.