Gershwin's World a great place to visit!

Artist: Herbie Hancock
Title: Gershwin's World
Format: SACD

5.1 Mix By Al Schmitt
Mastered by Doug Sax

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of composer George Gershwin's birth, jazz legend Herbie Hancock put together this all-star celebration, jazzing up some of Gershwin's best known pieces, and also including works by Ellington, Ravel and W.C. Handy. These people were revered by Gershwin and influenced him as well. Featuring appearances by Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and Wayne Shorter, this is a thoroughly listenable disc, and one of the finest sounding ones as well.

The music:
The disc begins with Overture (Fascinating Rhythm), a short African drum and percussion piece with Hancock accompanying on piano. This fades into the next song, It Ain't Necessarily So, a slow, swaggering number with Eddie Henderson playing a great Miles Davis influenced muted trumpet. The two songs featuring Joni Mitchell, The Man I Love and Summertime, are incredible. Mitchell's voice is smoky and sultry and full of presence. Other highlights are Stevie Wonder wailing away on vocals and harmonica on a funky interpretation of W.C. Handy's St Louis Blues, and the classical pieces, including Lullabye, featuring the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. All in all, some great playing by some great musicians.
Score: 9/10

The mix:
Stereo lovers will run screaming from the room upon hearing this! Al Schmitt is not one to shy away from putting instruments all over the place. Trumpets, saxophones and drums are scattered around the fronts and rears. Pianos appear to occupy the entire room. As unorthodox as it may seem, it works, and any surround fan would be happy with this mix.
Score: 10/10

The sound:
Superb! Another winner mastered by Doug Sax. I have yet to hear a disc done by Sax that did not sound great. Warm and smooth. This can be turned up to deafening volume and still sound good.
Score: 10/10

Overall: 9.5/10

Any lover of hi-rez/surround music must have this in their collection. It's the perfect disc for showing of your system!