Rhapsody in Blue, Does it have Klezmer Origins?

[richard_wolpoe <richard_wolpoe...>]

I had the privilege of meeting itzik-leyb in person last night...

Anyway, an idea popped in my head just a few days ago -
Do the opening bars, (the clarinet solo) of Gershwyn's Rhapsody in Blue 
have a basis in klezmer, or are the similarities co-incidental?

To a devotee of general Jewish music (such as myself) the simlarity is 
striking, however to true klezmer mavens, it may not be so similar after 
all.

Any comments?

Rich Wolpoe