By YVONNE HUBSON
Where else but Heinz Hall can the top hits of George Gershwin and his brother Ira conjure such magic? With the Pittsburgh Symphony on stage–wrapped around a stellar jazz ensemble– delivering a program overflowing with favorites, the current POPS weekend is superbly entertaining and filled with surprises.
Conductor Byron Stripling weaves humor, history, and fun anecdotes throughout the program. Not only does he conduct, but he also sings and plays his trumpet. Stripling is truly in his element here. It’s fun when he joins guest soloist Sydney McSweeney in beloved duets recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. And did I mention that Stripling also scats?
Delightful and familiar, this concert is just the ticket as we snap out of winter into spring sunshine. There’s PSO nostalgia, too, for fans who recall Sarah Vaughn singing Gershwin in her bare feet with the orchestra in the 1980s and Andre Previn taking to the piano.
Classically trained, Ms. McSweeney conjures the jazz legends she studied as she navigated into singing their classics. Ella, Sarah, and more are present in McSweeney’s versatile stylings and vocal power. She weaves intimate moments passionately and applies her big voice in some thrilling moments.
Stripling leads the artists in many pieces not listed in the program. I was enjoying it so much, I lost count! His enjoyment is contagious!
Other featured musicians are the PSO’s bassist Jeff Grubbs, with guests jazz pianist Bill Cunliffe and Jim Rupp on drums. Each shines in solos, riffs, and moments so distinctly Gershwin.
From the opening with “Strike Up the Band” through the songs that took us through the 20th century, Stripling brings out the best in fresh and charming arrangements. Songs in the program include “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” “But Not for Me,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “A Foggy Day,” among many others comprising an ample first act. Additional treats include “Summertime” (from Porgy and Bess), and McSweeney’s soulful “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” a shout-out to the influence of Gospel music in Gershwin’s style.
The second half features “I Want to Be Happy,” “S’Wonderful,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.”
The dramatic finishing touch is guest pianist Charlie Albright, featured with the iconic “Rhapsody in Blue,” backed by the lush woodwinds and strings of the PSO. Stellar and captivating, this young star will undoubtedly be a legend himself. And his encore is a tune not often here at Heinz Hall—”Great Balls of Fire!”
While the PSO POPS season continues (visit the website), Stripling announced the 2024-25 audience. Next season will feature the music of the Beatles, Chicago the Musical in Concert, Pixar in Concert, the music of the ’80s, the iconic songs of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and the Kings of Soul, including Barry White, Al Green, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. That is a season to anticipate, while this weekend will knock your socks off!
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Thiis Sunday’s 2:30 pm concert is the final Gershwin performance. If you can attend, go. This music fills the entire hall—every seat is a winner!
Explore the website for the PSO’s many exciting offerings. Gershwin POPS tickets are at https://pittsburghsymphony.org/production/84649/fascinatin-rhythm-a-gershwin-celebration
Categories: Reviews
Leave a Reply