Album: Brian Wilson, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin (Disney Pearl Series)

It's no surprise to find the Great Arranger of his era tackling the Great American Songbook; but sadly, the absence of surprise also applies to the bulk of the treatments here, which err on the side of schmaltz.

The familiar Wilson tropes are scattered throughout: "They Can't Take That Away From Me" is done in the cantering manner of the intro to "California Girls"; "I Got Rhythm" is ersatz Big 16-style rock'n'roll; and "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" a galumphing bass harmonica instrumental. The only real points of interest are the brief, lushly-harmonised snatches of "Rhapsody In Blue" which bookend the album, and "Someone To Watch Over Me" arranged for harpsichord, strings and wooden percussion. Here's hoping there are no plans for similar albums of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter etc.

DOWNLOAD THIS Someone To Watch Over Me; Rhapsody In Blue