Alexis Gershwin, the niece of legendary songwriters George and Ira Gershwin is set to release a collection of greatest hits titled, Long Ago and Far Away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. The album - a retrospective of Alexis' recordings of Gershwin music throughout her illustrious career - includes thirteen timeless Gershwin classics such as "S'Wonderful," "I've Got A Crush on You," "Summertime," "(Our) Love is Here to Stay," and more.
A celebrated performer in her own right, Alexis has toured extensively worldwide, performing in prestigious venues both with orchestras and some of the best session players. Being the first and only Gershwin to sing Gershwin, she truly brings a unique perspective to the interpretation of her uncles' distinguished music. A lifelong ambassador to the House of Gershwin, nothing means more to Alexis, as an artist, than compellingly interpreting her uncles' signature union of music and lyrics. As Billboard magazine touted, "Alexis manages to bring something fresh and new to her uncles' music, she sings with charm and a jazz singer's penchant for idiosynchratic phrasing, an actresses flair for the dramatic and a comedienne's comic sensibility, no small feat for songs that have been recorded hundreds of times."
The only living Gershwin to be performing from the Gershwin catalog, Alexis is set to celebrate her album release with a special, one-night-only performance at Los Angeles' iconic Catalina Bar & Grill on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 8:30 PM. Joined by musical director Steven Applegate, and musicians; Steve Rawlins (piano), Rusty Higgins (saxophone), Kirk Smith (bass), Bob Leatherbarrow (drums), and vocalists Kara Shaw, Sarah Brandon, and Will North, Alexis will delve deep into her uncles' catalog, performing such iconic gems as "I've Got Rhythm," "The Man I Love," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," "Embraceable You," and many others.
Born into American musical royalty, Alexis Gershwin developed an early awareness of her unique musical heritage, and preferred listening to American standards rather than the ever-growing popularity of rock 'n' roll. Her mother was Frances Gershwin, a talented dancer and painter, and Alexis' father, Leopold Godowsky, was a prominent violinist who later became a major force in the development of color photography. As the inventor of Kodak Colorfilm, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005.
Growing up in Connecticut, Alexis was always surrounded by beautiful music and mentored by famous musicians. She continued her studies, formally, at the prestigious Sarah Lawrence College in New York, further laying the groundwork for her high standards of song interpretations. While Alexis didn't have the chance to get to know George, she enjoyed a loving relationship with uncle Ira whom she joined at weekly dinners, and who occasionally challenged her to a tennis match.
In addition to her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting her family's musical legacy, Alexis' boundless energy and devotion is focused on another equal and lifelong cause: the support of animal rights organizations.
For more information, please visit: http://www.alexisgershwin.com
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