From the opening measures, it’s clear that pianist Marcus Roberts’ take on George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue goes well outside of Ferde Grof’s beloved orchestration. Banjoist James Chirillo provides an a cappella introduction, playing a short variation on Rhapsody's second theme prior to Ted Nash taking up the familiar siren’s call on clarinet. The instrumentation confirms Roberts’ unique approach: The Orchestra of St. Luke’s and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra are joined by his then-triomates Roland Guerin (contrabass) and Jason Marsalis (drums), as well as second pianist Loston Harris II. There are rearranged passages that recall the great Duke Ellington big-band horn sections and others that evoke a New Orleans second-line parade. Roberts draws on the history of early jazz piano, including stride and proto-gospel styles, when he plays the credenzas on James P. Johnson’s Yamekraw (originally written for Fats Waller) and Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm" Variations.