When I was a kid in high school I went to the public library and checked this out. Days later I came down with mononucleosis and spent two weeks in bed, listening to this album hundreds of times. After that I fell so in love with this man's playing that I bought every record of his. After the record company urged him to cut the jazz and go with the pop stuff, I was disappointed. Those records didn't show off his skills like these earlier albums did. He is my piano idol.
I found this album in a bargain bin (that's how I got much of my musical education). The first time I heard this medley despite knowing nothing of Gershwin, the story, or anything, I got it all -- there's not one bit of tragedy or triumph that he didn't squeeze in there. I wore out my first copy and found and hid away a second copy even though CDs were coming in. I collected every album of his that I could find. I managed to attend three of his concerts (not counting his first two as conductor of the Philly Pops). The most remarkable was a benefit for a temple in Newton on a lousy weather winter night, I think? He played all of both this medley _and_ the West Side Story medley, plus so much more -- he was cooking that night. I got there early, and so they let me sit in the back while he warmed up, which was an education in itself. It used to fry my grits to read articles by jazz critics who refused to recognize or credit his talent. We have lost so much with the passing of Bernard Nierow. Thank you, sir, for the music.
WOW! What a thrilling, spectacular performance of a sumptuous, one-of-a-kind piano arrangement of Gershwin's masterpieces!!! I'm here because I just read of Peter Nero's passing in July (2023), and I'm feeling very sad, knowing we've lost a beloved musical genius. The New York Times published a must-read obituary about this extraordinary man. I hope you'll read it...and share with others who may not YET be fans.
Saw Mr. Nero in 1966 at CW Post College on Long Island, and my socks were literally blown off. Had this album until sold years ago. Finally saw the 1959 film last night with tears in my eyes. He truly is the G.O.A.T.
He is still my favorite pianist. Even after all these years. I have about 40 of his albums. Vinyl 33 1/3 record albums. I want to donate them to KUSC. My wife and I went to see him in Vegas 50 years ago. He was opening for Carol Lawrence. in 1979, we saw him at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. Our son Earle and I went down to the green room to see him. He was very gracious to us. I gave him a couple of Vinyl 33 1/3 records. And showed him a couple of his very first recordings with Premiere Records. In 1980, saw him at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown L.A. Met his business Mgr. Roy Gerber and his daughter Beverly. I gave him a gift. It was a Sony compact stereo tape player with head phones. It had just come on the market. He did not have one. Retail price at that time was $250. I remember meeting Roy in the parking lot of NBC a couple of times. He was coming out I was going in. He would always give me free tickets to Peter's shows. If Peter knew I was going to one of his concerts, he would always leave a couple of tickets for me at the box office. I would always try to make it to his shows. My wife, our son Earle and our daughter Lauren used to see him after the show in the green room. His son Jedd played drums for him for a while. In 1984 or 1985, Peter, Leslie Uggams & Mel Torme went on tour for a show called "The Great Gershwin Concert". Our daughter Lauren was only 4 or 5 years old. She would not let me leave the house unless I took her with me. Concert was held at UCLA. In the green room we met Peter, Leslie, Mel and a couple of fans of Peter from the audience. One of whom was Henry Mancini. I was holding Lauren side saddle in my arms. Peter scolded me for keeping her out so late. I explained what happened. He forgave me. Have not seen Peter for over 20 years. I would like to see him one more time before the LORD calls me "Home". On March 13th this year (2018) I will be 78. On May 22, this year (2018) Peter will be 84. I have about a dozen or so favorite pianists. One of whom was Dave McKenna. Mike Jones has sort of taken over the 'mantle' of that style of playing, so to speak. But for sheer technical prowess and elegant sophistication, no one beats Peter Nero. When he was 14 or 15, He won top honors in a contest that was sponsored by the N.Y. Times. The main judge of that contest was Vladimir Horowitz. Who became one of Peter's greatest fans! GOD Bless, Justin(951) 452-8906 (C) WorldWay5000@gmail.com
Nero is one of my favorite pianists. Thank you so much for posting this. When Nero made his recording debut, I was a teenager. My mom bought every one of his albums, and I spent many enraptured hours, listening to his improvisational genius. I haven't heard this LP in many years, and oh what a delight it is to be carried back to these marvelous arrangements!
¡Que emoción! encontré el disco que escuchaba de niña, yo crecí oyendo tan bella música por mis padres, a mis 31 años de vida vengo a escuchar tan bellas melodías, gracias por compartir, me traen bellos recuerdos de mi niñez.
I saw Peter perform Porgy and Bess live in Central Park 40 some years ago! So glad to find it on You Tube, The album has never been released on Cd. Thanks for posting! It's appreciated!
Yes, I realize it, and I wouldn't have any doubt at all that he certainly MAY be, and probably IS, the finest pianist America has ever produced . . . not to even mention his astonishingly unique arrangements which are unparalleled masterpieces! This guy is a musical genius!
I saw Peter Nero at the Purdue Elliott Hall back in the late '60's when he was doing the tour on which this album is based. The Porgy and Bess Medley was the high point of an already amazing concert. I've completely worn out my vinyl copy but continue to play it once in a while. How wonderful to hear a clear copy that doesn't sound like it was recorded on sandpaper. Many thanks.
¡ QUE BELLA MUSICA! GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR ESTE DISCO ME REUERDA A JULIO CESAR MORLAS ROMERO CUANDO LO PONIA EN LA RADIO GUAYAQUIL ENTONCES ÉRA RADIO TENIÁ LINDA MUSICA
Dennis Caracciolo25 seconds ago (edited)I have nominated Peter Nero for a Lincoln Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award. It's high time this honor be bestowed upon Mr. Nero. May I recommend that all of you do the same and maybe we will one day soon see this deserved honor go to Peter.
Se qualcuno è capace di farlo trascriva le note di questa meraviglia, a quanto ne so Peter Nero non lo ha mai pubblicato. Se qualcuno conosce l'esistenza dello spartito me lo faccia sapere, pagherei per averlo
