Strike Up the Band - 1930, July 5, 2011

This CD "package" - and I call it that because the 76-minute CD is inserted in the slipcase with a gorgeous 32 page book of note, synopsis, lyrics and archival photos - is another gem from the non-for-profit PS Classics label founded by Tommy Krasker and Phil Chalfin. They've released recent musicals - "Grey Gardens" for example - and rare promo recordings by Broadway composers (Sondheim, Loesser) in graphically (as well as sonically) superior editions (all at reasonable prices too!)."Strike Up The Band" was created by George and Ira Gershwin in 1927 with a libretto by George S. Kaufman, but it flopped, for a number of reasons. Two years later, in 1929, they revived it with new songs - some interpolated from other Gershwin shows, and some new ones - and a new book by Morrie Ryskind. It opened in 1930 and became a hit. But not enough of a hit to have orchestrations survive into the later 20th Century. In 1991 an attempt was made to release a re-recordings and passionate...

Several years ago, part one of this recording was released: the 1927 version of Strike Up the Band. Even without the play portion, it is easy to see why the 1930 version succeeded and the 1927 did not. The score and lyrics are quirkier, brighter, and in general play better.The performance was actually taped when the 1927 was taped. At that time, only a few tracks were issued. This recording has had to wait too many years for final mixing. The only question I have is that a track issued earlier, "Strike Up The Band" interlude, does not appear on this recording. I wonder if this is a time restraint. The CD is full! As with all of the Gershwin series, the performances are not only historically as accurate as possible, but the performances are filled with enthusiasm and style. BRAVO.

I always enjoy the productions of PS Classics. This was no exception. It is so similar to the 1927 version, but better. It accounts for the fact that the 1927 version was a failure and the 1930 version was a success. I had to listen again to the 1927 version to appreciate the differences and similarities.I try to congratulate Tommy Krasker when he pulls off another success. This release is obviously a success!This is part of the E-Mail reply I received yesterday from Mr. Krasker:"So nice to hear from you, and so glad you enjoyed the 1930 STRIKE UP THEBAND. The 1927 and 1930 versions were recorded in the same two-weekperiod in December of 1990; we didn't finish the 1930 version though, sowe continued sometime in the winter of 1991, as I recall, and then, whenMrs. Gershwin passed that summer, the 1930 edition got shelved. So it wasa particular delight to return to it after nearly 20 years."This is a...