JAZZ REVIEW : ‘RHAPSODY’ IN BURBANK

The aural excitement of George Gershwin’s American classic, “Rhapsody in Blue,” has diminished since its 1924 premier. But at an all-Gershwin concert Saturday night at Burroughs High School in Burbank, “Rhapsody in Blue” was given a lustrous new treatment by the pianist Milco Leviev, who had beautifully arranged--recomposed, really--the piece for the 120-voice Valley Master Chorale and a jazz septet.

Wordlessly assuming the parts of orchestra and instrumental soloists, the chorale, under the direction of Gerald Eskelin, lent a strength and vitality to the piece that resulted in newly sonorous textures and vivid melodic lines.

While Leviev’s own soloing was superb, it was the plunger mute work of trombonist George Bohanon, the bell-clear trumpeting of Oscar Brashear and the multi-reed playing of Ray Pizzi that made the piece come to life. Pizzi, from his opening clarinet statement through a wildly effusive soprano saxophone solo to a wistful piccolo outing, was particularly effective in his roles. Able support was added by guitarist Mundell Lowe, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer John Guerin.

The concert’s first half served to remind the sold-out auditorium of the multitude of popular songs Gershwin contributed during his short life.

A token appearance by Eskelin’s L.A. jazz choir on “A Foggy Day” seemed superfluous, but the choir’s joining the chorale for Allan Davies’ arrangement of some classic Gershwin melodies strengthened the medley.