Ambiance's best-known and most requested arrangement, "Rhapsody In Blue," is the CD's opener ("rhapsody" denotes an epic work in one movement). With words by David Wright, also the CD's musical coordinator, the track begins with a siren call, beckoning all to gather round. What follows is a rendition of Gershwin's classic, unlike anything heard before: symphonic in scope, a virtual vocal orchestration of relentless intensity and chutzpah. Barbershop chords and vertical harmony dominate, but the character of what may be Gershwin's greatest instrumental work is maintained. After such an introduction, one might be speechless, but not Ambiance. They follow with another Gershwin composition, finished by George's brother and lyricist Ira after George's death: "Our Love Is Here To Stay." The mood is sweetly somber, sliding gently from voicing to voicing, sometimes in unison, sometimes with solo embellishments. It's subtle, stylistically completely different from the track preceeding it. Changing the mood again, the Everly Bros. "When Will I Be Loved," has a doo-woppy flavor, the bass asserting itself with brisk authority. This diversity and willingness to try anything continues through Chopin's "Minute Waltz," Fats Waller's "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" and Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Sun," concluding with a piano-accompanied "Ave Maria." It's a thrilling ride!

Listen to Pal Of My Cradle Days in RealAudio.