Banu Gibson - Let's Face The Music And Dance (2007)

“Let’s Face the Music and Dance” is a collection of eighteen songs from the 1930’s films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This is some of the best, and best loved, American popular music of the 20th century, written by the likes of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Gus Khan, and others.

Banu Gibson obviously has a lot of respect and affection for the material here. She has a terrific, clear voice; she’s a joy to hear. Whereas Ginger did her best with the material and Fred had the phrasing down to an art, they just weren’t singers.

It’s thrilling to hear these grand old songs performed so beautifully, with new arrangements that remain faithful to the intentions of the composers. Too many modern performers insist on over interpreting these songs until the music is unrecognizable. I’ll take my Gershwin straight up, thanks!

Personnel: Harry Shearer (vocals); Hank Mackie, Howard Alden (guitar); Matt Rhody, Ann Taylor (violin); Karen Ray (cello); Tom Fischer, Brian Ogilvie (clarinet, saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet, cornet); Charlie Fardella, Connie Jones, Duke Heitger, Randy Reinhart (trumpet); Bob Havens, Dan Barrett , David Sager, Mark Mullins (trombone); David Boeddinghaus, Dick Hyman, John Sheridan (piano); Chris Tyle, Jeff Hamilton , James Alsanders (drums).