Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan

 1920s New York City is blazing with jazz and one of the rising stars George Gershwin is blending classical music with jazz. A musician endowed with “the most brilliant, most enchanting and perhaps the most profound talent.” On the other end of spectrum, there is a classically trained composer – Katherine “Kay” Swift. This story brings two legends and their musical influences on each other.

NYC, 1924. Katherine is not convinced of old musical pieces being presented in a new style. But Paul Whiteman of P.T. Barnum convinces her to attend a concert, the piece – Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. Gershwin’s music transforms her.

1917. As the story goes back in time, it reveals how Katherine meets James Warburg, their courtship and their contrasting family backgrounds. It is revealed with so much depth, evocative layers. It’s a pure joy.

1925. By now, she knows of her husband’s infidelities. And her path crosses with George Gershwin again. Upon meeting him in person, they connect musically despite opposite technics. Flexibility and instinct are his guidance. He is “loosey-goosey, with shifting tempos. She struck the notes properly, intentionally. (…) Whatever it was, his way of blending Rachmaninoff-like lyricism with bumpy-road rhythms captivated her…”

There is one scene, which I enjoyed very much, when George takes Katherine to Harlem. Harlem is epicenter of jazz. I wished they went back to Harlem a couple more times. So we could soak up that atmosphere.

All three characters are interestingly presented including Katherine’s husband – James Warburg. He comes from family of bankers. His business endeavors take him back and forth between USA and Germany and also to Washington DC as the financial advisor to Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was interesting to learn about his father being the “father” of the Federal Reserve system. And also them being family of successful immigrants and creating an issue for Americans who didn’t want to empower immigrants who may retain affection for their homeland.

Katherine’s background is touchingly illustrated. Her musical background being influenced by her father’s love for music. He taught her to use the sound exploration to probe human soul.

George Gershwin of humbling background is the kindest of souls remaining humble while enjoying his success. “A man pouring his heart out to the world.”

The beautiful layers compose a spellbinding story as enchanting as its music and told with luminous prose. Touchingly creative story capturing souls of musical artists.

I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this flawless prose and entertaining dialogue. Dialogue which constantly moves the story forward, sharp in word choice, invigorating in meaning. Simply a fresh breath, something very original and rare.

P.S. Highly recommend all books by this author.

Review with the author at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/mitchell-james-kaplan/

Release: 2 March 2021

Source: Gallery Books