Pianist Lang Lang may be listed under “classical,” but his music here is simply American. He delivers a rich homage to the Golden Apple in a variety of moods and settings. A complete version of “Rhapsody in Blue” features Lang Lang with Herbie Hancock in a wonderful two piano extravaganza. On the other side of the coin, producer Larry Klein bookends the album with rich and ectomorphic solo pieces, most notably Aaron Copland’s “Story of Our Town” which make you feel you’re walking along the Lower East Side. Sean Jones’ trumpet is sugar sweet on “Tonight” and Madeleine Peyroux’s voice was born to deliver a serene and longing “Moon River.” A nourish “Spider-Man Theme” brings you to Gotham City along with Lindsey Stirling, and Jason Isbell is heartfelt on “New York Morning.” The only thing missing is the leader playing the keyboards for a Mets game!
Sony Classical