Legendary songwriter Brian Wilson has completed an album of material written by George Gershwin.
George Gershwin is one of the most important composers that the United States has produced. Even if you don't think your life has been touched by his music, just check out the credits: 'Summertime', 'I Loves You Porgy', 'Rhapsody In Blue' and more.
Sadly dying in 1937, the composer left behind a number of unfinished manuscripts. The LA Times broke the news last year that these documents had been given to Brian Wilson who began working on a new album.
The result is 'Brian Wilson Reimagines George Gershwin' and will hit the shops on August 17th. The album itself contains some potentially jaw dropping recordings, including an a capella version of 'Rhapsody In Blue'.
One of Gershwin's finest achievements, it is given the Brian Wilson treatment and is literally glistening in wonderful harmonies. Split into opening and closing segments, the album sees the former Beach Boy take on some of the composer's most iconic tracks.
Re-working standards such as 'Summertime' Brian Wilson has been able to record two unfinished tracks by the composer. 'The Like in I Love You' and 'Nothing But Love' will appear on the new album, performed for the very first time.
As a special bonus Brian Wilson has made 'The Like In I Love You' available as a free download on his official website. Grab it HERE.
In a statement Brian Wilson said: "Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled, yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on."
'Brian Wilson Reimagines George Gershwin' is out on August 17th. Tracklisting:
1. Rhapsody in Blue /Intro
2. The Like in I Love You
3. Summertime
4. I Loves You Porgy
5. I Got Plenty of Nothin
6. It Ain't Necessarily So
7. 'S Wonderful
8. They Can't Take That Away from Me
9. Our Love Is Here to Stay
10. I've Got a Crush on You
11. I've Got Rhythm
12. Someone to Watch Over Me
13. Nothing But Love
14. Rhapsody in Blue/Reprise