America's Pianist Kevin Cole to Launch New CD ``Cole Plays Gershwin'' on Independence Day; New CD is First in a 7-CD Series on Great American Songwriters

RAVINIA - HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2004--Kevin Cole today announced his new CD "Cole Plays Gershwin" available on July 4. The new CD is being released in conjunction with his headline performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.

Kevin Cole is regarded as the world's foremost interpreter of Gershwin by Gershwin's biographer, members of the Gershwin family, and numerous national media, including the Chicago Tribune which called Kevin, "the best Gershwin pianist in America today." Regarded increasingly as, "America's Pianist," Kevin has also garnered praises from such legends as Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, and Hugh Martin. On hearing Cole play, Irving Berlin exclaimed, "Kid, if I could have played piano like that, I wouldn't have become a songwriter!"

Kevin will perform selections from his new CD: Cole Plays Gershwin in a postlude concert in the Martin Theatre immediately following his performance with the CSO. Kevin will also be meeting fans and signing copies of his new release that will be available for purchase.

"Cole Plays Gershwin" is a compilation of music that highlights both Gershwin's concert works and popular songs. The CD is part of an upcoming 7-CD series on great American composers and "Cole Plays Gershwin" is the first release in the series. The next two CDs will be "Cole Plays Arlen" and "Cole Plays Porter" which will be released later this year. All arrangements on the CD are by Kevin with the exception of the Piano Preludes and the Rhapsody in Blue, which are by Gershwin himself. Musical highlights include:

-- "Rhapsody in Blue" The Complete Solo Version - After Gershwin's death in 1937, most of the major compositions were "edited" by his publisher who felt they needed fixing. Fortunately, pianist-musicologist Alicia Zizzo began the restoration of Gershwin's compositions by going to the manuscripts, early recordings or Gershwin's own radio performances to preserve the works as Gershwin originally conceived, and often performed them. The result is a revelation with the missing passages recovered; it is the same composition, but with a bravura difference.

-- "Rialto Ripples/Fascinating Rhythm" and "Wake Up Brother, and Dance" -These tracks feature Kevin playing on an 1883 Hallet Davis upright that provides aural echoes reminiscent of the Gershwin era.

-- "Gershwin Medley" - This track features Kevin's critically acclaimed arrangement of 10 Gershwin favorites played in 10 minutes. This signature medley has led to standing ovations and second encores in Kevin's performances with the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, the Minnesota Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony and other orchestras throughout the world.

About Kevin Cole