Blue Note Records Announces the June 28 Release of Bill Charlap Plays George Gershwin: The American Soul

On The American Soul, pianist Bill Charlap augments his acclaimed trio (bassist Peter Washington & drummer Kenny Washington) with an A-list horn section that includes alto saxophonist Phil Woods, tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, & trombonist Slide Hampton, as he delivers a fresh take on the well-worn Gershwin songbook like only Charlap could.

Charlap also takes the helm of one of New York City's premiere Jazz institutions when his inaugural season as the Artistic Director of the 92nd Street Y's Jazz In July series begins on July 19, fittingly with a concert entitled “Gershwin's Vision."

“Charlap is coming into bloom these days, after years of paying his dues as a musician's musician... no matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence."
- TIME