How many versions of Gershwin's Summertime do you have?

[chicks]

I just got a copy of Patti Austin's avant gershwin CD at Circuit City (had to use my Rewards points). There's a really nice version of Summertime on it, and I got to thinkin' 'bout how many versions of this classic I've heard and/or own.

Besides the Patti Austin, I have a really nice version by Doc Watson, and have a Porgy & Bess Highlights LP featuring the Houston Grand Opera. I'm pretty sure I have at least one of Ella's versions on CD too.

I don't have Janis Joplin's classic rendition, but remember it well.

Anyone have a version they particularly like or prefer?

 

[monkeyking]

For some reason, that's never been a song I cared much for. Doubtless, it has a lot more to do with me than with the song as, being a Gershwin, it is superbly crafted and evocative.

That being said, I like Sam Cooke's version.

Off the top of my head I know I have versions by Harry Belafonte/Lena Horne, Pearl Bailey, Janis Joplin, Al Hirt, Tony Mottolla, Canadian Brass.

I've no doubt there are a lot more than that scattered through the Jazz section here at the house. Summertime has to be up there on the list of most recorded songs.

 

[monkeyking]

Your question got me to try out the search function on my Music Library Function. I don't have all my stuff entered yet, but here's what came back. Asterisk by the ones I like.

Summertime by:
Urbie Green
Richard Glazier *
Lou Rawls
Louis Armstrong
IU Marching 100
Joe Venuti**
Tommy Dorsey
Stephane Grappelli & Yehudi Menuhin*
Sarah Vaughan*
Boyd Raeburn
Charlie Shavers
Jean Templer
Teddy Wilson Trio*
Miles Davis*
Bob Crosby
Mary Kaye Trio
Charlie Parker*
David Rose

Maybe I like that song more than I thought!

 

[ke4jhj]

I have versions by Janis Joplin, Billy Stewart, and Billie Holiday (on reissue LP but wish it was the Vocalion 78).

 

[gearhound]

Two versions..............

Janis Joplin and Grace Griffith


Steve

 

[MichaelJ]

Joplin
Coltraine
and on cassette my old band's version

 

[chicks]

Stephane Grappelli & Yehudi Menuhin*

Huh, I have their Strictly for the Birds collaboration, which doesn't have Summertime on it, didn't know they had collaborated on another album. I'll have to seek it out. What's the album's title?

 

[monkeyking]

The pair did two records collectively titled Music of the Thirties. The individual albums are "Jalousie" and "Fascinating Rhythm". Summertime appears on the latter. I have it on Angel Records S-37156. It's a quadrophonic album which sounds just great in stereo.

Both albums are with the Alan Clare trio, though the second ads Ike Isaacs and Denny Wright on guitars. Menuhin seems a bit more relaxed and at home with the improv style on the second. As always, Grappelli is perfect. Haven't a clue as to availability.

 

[FoolForARadio]

I picked up an LP of Porgy and Bess by Miles Davis, so of course it's got Summertime on it. Interesting record! The orchestra is directed by Gil Evans, and among the players I'm familiar with, it's got Paul Chambers on bass and Cannonball Adderly on sax.

 

[chicks]

As always, Grappelli is perfect.

My first jazz LP purchase, way back in high school, was Grappelli's Afternoon in Paris (1972). Virtually all the pop/rock albums I had from the time are long gone, but I still have, and listen to, my Grappelli albums. He's a timeless performer who doesn't get near the critical acclaim of his Hot Club of France partner, Django Reinhardt.

 

[monkeyking]

I'm in absolute agreement with you, Chicks. Grappelli is one that I never hesitate to buy. There are some live vids of him on YouTube that are wonderful. A treasure of a musician. From the manifest joy and truth in his playing, I'd be willing to bet he was (or is? I'll have to check) a wonderful person.

FoolForARadio, that is a really intrigueing read by Davis on the Porgy and Bess album. As with so much of his work, it's all right there in terms of melody and such, but from a slightly different angle than we're used to. I guess that's what made him a genius and me a listener.

This thread has sent me back to listening to some of the recordings I have of Summertime. Still not sure what put me off this song initially, but maybe it's finally growing on me. Thanks for the jumpstart Chicks!