This is one of the top two George Gershwin texts that focus mainly on the composer’s music. The other is The Music of Gershwin by Steven Gilbert (see the biography section in the JazzStandards.com bookstore.)

A collection of twelve essays by twelve authors, The Gershwin Style picks up where The Music of Gershwin leaves off. It was admirably spearheaded by Wayne Schneider, who acts as editor and author of the introduction and one essay. Other authors include Steven Gilbert, mentioned above, and Edward Jablonski, author of Gershwin, which is one of the better Gershwin biographies.

With regard to jazz standards, The Gershwin Style has two particularly interesting essays: “Nice Work: Thoughts and Observations on Gershwin’s Last Songs” by Steven E. Gilbert, which has discussions on a number of compositions, including “Beginner’s Luck,” “Oh, Lady Be Good!” “Shall We Dance,” and “They All Laughed.”

In “George Gershwin and Jazz” C. Andre Barbera discusses at length Gershwin’s background and its effect on his compositions. He also describes the attraction of Gerswin’s music for jazz musicians, specifically referencing sections on rhythm, melody, harmony, phrasing, and structure. Composition titles are included in the general index.

Wayne Schneider is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Vermont.