George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue (George Martin & Larry Adler)

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Martin and Larry Adler from the album "The Glory of Gershwin" (1994).
George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 -- July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known. Among his best known works are the orchestral compositions "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris", as well as the opera "Porgy and Bess".

[geopolitic]

I was fortunate enough to work on this record with George and Larry at Air Studios in 1994. Larry told some great jokes!

[yellowperilbiker]

Saw Adler at a Max Bygraves show on Palladium late 50s. Still remember his note perfect delivery even now. One man on stage with a mouth organ. Takes some character, and knowing you are talented.

[fundsberg]

fantastic.immortal music, it will last as long as humans are on earth.

[bobbgeez]

Gigantic accomplishment putting this together! My dad (jazz trumpeter) always hated Paul Whiteman's version of this tune, so I had to *learn* to love it. Then, having collaborated on designing a chromatic harmonica with an Englishman (Douglas Tate) who had actually tweaked and built harmonicas for Larry Adler, my circle of appreciation was complete! You have captured it all for me in image and song! Bravo!!! Well done!!!

[GaryItaliaander]

As commented here and many time previously, Larry was a genius and on his own, made the harmonica recognised as a truly orchestral instrument! Larry was known to have played on the Hohner harmonica (or mouthorgan as he preferred to call it) and Hohner acknowledged that because of him they sold millions of their instruments. I met Larry in 1995 through my work as a professional photographer at which time my gallery was based in Harrods and we became friends. This came about as I have a music background and also play the chromatic harmonica but I am certainly not in Larry’s unique league! Throughout the last 6 years of his life, I had many memorable occasions with him at private and public events and when he left the stage in 2001 at the age of 87 I decided to write a tribute to him which was published in 2014 to coincide with his centenary. Others were invited to write their own tributes and reflections including Sting, Sir George Martin, Julian Lloyd-Webber, Sir Michael Parkinson, Itzhak Perlman and many others. The title is ‘Reflections, A tribute to Larry Adler, Harmonica Genius’ for anyone that’s interested and is available in paperback, e-book and audio version (all through Amazon). The audio version is special as I have access to unique recordings of Larry speaking that are incorporated into this version.
Gary Italiaander – www.italiaander.co.uk

[dutchharrysm]

This is wonderful. Larry Adler was a genius.

[AislinnWildrose]

The music I have always loved ... and the photo collage is SUPERB !!
Big thanks for an excellent upload.

[danmaodi]

My appreciation of this video is just beyond words, both music and pictures, so perfectly matched, are absolutely awesome!

[pbnotts]

Fantastic musical score. Fantastic composer. Fantastic  harmonica player. Fantastic pictures.

[harmusman]

wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, everyone take a bow.

[rrfirefly]

This is practically a documentary, with all those archival photos. Nice job. My first encounter with this on the harmonica. My verdict: Larry Adler is a grand interpreter of this classic piece.

[watchfuleagleson]

Adler makes it sound as if it had been written for the harmonica. That's actually some serious blues harp.

[johncoleman]

A wonderful performance, and the photos are so good too.

[nicolasolmosolmos]

Thanks a million for share this wonderful video. Larry Adler was a chromatic harmonica virtuoso, whose music is immortal, being his rendering of Rhapsody in Blue incomparable

[lespap]

Larry and company was in Aust (MELBOURNE) over 10 yrsago and I chauffeured him Sinead plus 2others around Melb mind you it was well over midnight and for the nex 2--3 hours they sang gerswin and other great music -- it was a memorable time for me I have had the pleasure of chauffeuring many artist around Melb but Larry Adler was one of the most memorable ones

[Bikinbest]

Was fortunate enough to have him stay in my parents house( 80's), he was here to judge a tournament my farther was hosting.He arrived at my dad's suggestion, but without my mothers knowledge .She wasn't prepared and let my farther know it later, imagine Larry Adler at the door as your cleaning up! Ha

[dipalijadwani]

gives me inspiration to learn how to play a harmonica

[chewacan]

Thank you so much. Wonderful to have that frame of reference.

[ianstoker]

This is the reason why I'm learning chromatic!

[T.Sizzle]

Nice video. Where did you get these photos? Are they of any particular location? Thanks