Robbie Rhodes has it about right concerning George Gershwin's actual
playing, from what I have learned over the years. George loved to play
piano and was a very good pianist, too. His one failing was nuance and
expression, in my opinion. Although he performed his Rhapsody in Blue
with the orchestra, he preferred the way his friend Oscar Levant played
it, and said so. Something to the effect, "That's the way I'd play it
too, if I could." He also said that Oscar played it the way he himself
was hearing it in his own mind while he performed it. At any rate, it
was a wonderful compliment. I have never heard Artis Wodehouse' CD, but
it was explained to me how it had been "doctored" so I can imagine that
while it would still be entertaining, it could not possibly be
considered authentic of a Duo-Art, nor the playing of George Gershwin.

Despite these technical flaws, I have been told that it is still
esthetically pretty music as long as you do not expect it to live up to
the claims on the cover. (I like to call this kind "Chewing gum for the
ears"). I am also told that Artis Wodehouse was given a government
grant to research this music. Of this I am not certain.

Craig.