Music review: Lang Lang – ‘New York Rhapsody’
After my New Year’s Eve celebration, I decided that I would ease into 2017 with some relaxing music. I began to look for a new release that was different from the classic rock, country and R&B styles I had been listening to over the last several months. My search led me to Lang Lang’s latest effort titled “New York Rhapsody.”
Recently named New York City’s first “cultural tourism ambassador,” the Chinese pianist displays his affection for the city with songs that pay tribute to the city that doesn’t sleep. Lang is joined by a host of artists to assist in the reinterpretation of familiar arrangements from a variety of genres.
Lang’s opening selection spotlights Aaron Copland’s “Story of Our Town” with a peaceful beauty that gracefully sets the table for the full menu of musical tastings to follow.
Special guest performances include Andra Day lending a soulful tone to Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind,” Madeleine Peyroux capturing the mood of Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” perfectly, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kandace Springs offering up a fresh jazzy version of Don Henley’s “New York Minute,” Jason Isbell, formerly from the Drive-By Truckers, earthy take on “New York Morning,” violinist Lindsey Stirling embracing Danny Elfman’s “Spider-Man” theme and Grammy-winning trumpeter Sean Jones simply shining on Bernstein’s “Tonight,” also from “West Side Story.”
Lang delivers a wondrous version of George Gershwin’s 1924 “Rhapsody in Blue” with the help of Herbie Hancock on second piano and the accompaniment of the London Symphony Orchestra. Millennials may recognize the track as part of the popular television commercials for United Airlines.
Lou Reed’s gritty “Dirty Blvd.” and the elegant “Somewhere” from “West Side Story” are oddly blended to expose two very different sides of the Big Apple with Jeffrey Wright skillfully handling the dark mood of Reed’s vision and Lisa Fischer unveiling optimism for the future to create an unsettling and beautiful arrangement to ponder and digest.
A warm version of Copland’s “In Evening Air” warmly serenades the album to a tender close.
“New York Rhapsody” is the perfect musical companion to cozy up to on a cold Pennsylvania winter’s day.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.