Rhapsody In Blue : An American In Paris : Songbook (2005)

"Frank Braley begins this generously packed all-Gershwin recital with a rhythmically firm and brightly idiomatic rendition of the Porgy and Bess “Jasbo Brown”. He incorporates chromatic tones in Rhapsody in Blue’s opening scale to approximate the clarinet’s famous upward glissando, and employs a kind of push/pull rubato throughout the rest of the piece that occasionally flattens the composer’s syncopated vigor. Conversely, he syncopates the repeated-note theme usually played by pianists and orchestras as straight eighth notes. However, Braley’s gentle, easygoing stride through An American in Paris will satisfy those who find respective versions by pianist/transcribers Jack Gibbons and Eric Himy too vivid and brash for their taste. Gershwin’s brief arrangements of 18 song hits couldn’t be more steady and danceable, especially with Braley’s strong left hand in the proverbial driver’s seat. I suspect the Braley/Gershwin alliance may wear well over time." (Classics Today)