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Ella & Louis [Remaster] by Ella Fitzgerald/Armstrong (CD - 03/07/2000)
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"Ella & Louis [Remaster]" (03/07/2000) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Buddy Rich (drums). Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California on August 16, 1956. Orginally released on Verve (4003). Includes liner notes by John McDonough. An inspired collaboration, masterminded by producer Norman Granz. Both artists were riding high at this stage in their careers. Granz assembled a stellar quartet of Oscar Peterson (piano), Buddy Rich (drums), Herb Ellis (guitar) and Ray Brown (bass). Equally inspired was the choice of material, with the gruffness of Armstrong's voice blending like magic with Fitzgerald's stunningly silky delivery. Outstanding are Irving Berlin's "Cheek To Cheek" and "Isn't This A Lovely Day," and everything else works like a dream, with the golden star going to the Gershwin brothers' "They Can't Take That Away From Me." Gentle and sincere, this is deserving of a place in every home.
Miss Ella's Playhouse [Slimline] by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 08/19/2008)
Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook [Remaster] by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 11/14/2000)
"Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook [Remaster]" (11/14/2000) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Paul Weston (conductor); Ted Nash (tenor saxophone, flute, woodwinds); Babe Russin (tenor saxophone, flute); Chuck Gentry (baritone saxophone, woodwinds); John Best, Pete Candoli, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Don Fagerquist, Manny Klein (trumpet); Ed Kusby, Dick Noel, William Schaefer (trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Matty Matlock, Fred Stulce (flute, clarinet, woodwinds); Leonard Hartman (flute); Gene Cipriano (woodwinds); Paul Smith (piano); Barney Kessel (guitar); Joe Mondragon, Jack Ryan (bass); Alvin Stoller (drums). Producer: Norman Granz. Reissue producer: Bryan Koniarz. Recorded at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California in March 1958. Originally released on Verve (6005). Includes liner notes by James Gavin and Nat Hentoff. Digitally remastered using 24-bit technology by Andrew Nicholas and Chris Corley. This is part of the Verve Master Edition series.
Rodgers & Hart Songbook Vol. 2 by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 10/25/1990)
"Rodgers & Hart Songbook Vol. 2" (10/25/1990) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Volume One of the RODGERS AND HART SONGBOOK was one of Ella Fitzgerald's most artistically and commercially successful albums, so obviously a sequel was called for. You'd be forgiven for expecting lukewarm leftovers, but given the range and depth of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart's catalogue, it's not entirely surprising that THE RODGERS AND HART SONGBOOK VOLUME TWO is even better than the original. Opening with the little-known but wonderfully sly New York love song "Give It Back To The Indians," VOLUME TWO sprints through 16 other Rodgers and Hart classics in just over 56 minutes, including their early gems "There's a Small Hotel" and "Mountain Greenery," an exquisite "Blue Moon," and one of the very best of the seemingly hundreds of versions of the standard "My Funny Valentine." This is a remarkable tribute to one of pop music's greatest songwriting teams.
Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 01/30/1996)
"Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook" (01/30/1996) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California between January 5, 1959 and July 16, 1959. Originally released on Verve (825 024). Includes liner notes by William Ruhlmann. Nowhere was Ella Fitzgerald's mastery of America's "classical" music more evident than on the legendary songbook albums of the 1950s. Of the songwriting giants covered in the series, the collection of songs by George and Ira Gershwin was arguably the greatest. OH, LADY, BE GOOD! BEST OF THE GERSHWIN SONGBOOK collects 17 of the strongest cuts from the 5 original LPs. Why Gershwin? Ella's painstaking attention to musical perfection helped turn many songs into standards, but Ira Gershwin's lyrics seemed to speak to Ella most directly of all. Ira, who was present at these 1959 sessions, wrote lyrics that conveyed a sense of lightness and romanticism, qualities that fit Fitzgerald's vocal style to a tee. Ella's unique abilities are showcased on her masterful version of "Someone To Watch Over Me." While many singers have captured the song's sense of longing, Fitzgerald refuses to overdo it. She won't be too dismayed if the man of her dreams doesn't come through the door, but wouldn't it be just great if he did? A similarly refined mood threads its way through "The Man I Love" and "A Foggy Day," while the more upbeat tunes ("'S Wonderful," "Nice Work If You Can Get It") swing confidently. Some would say Ella didn't pay much attention to the words she sang. But her insistence on recording many of the neglected verses that precede the well-known choruses on OH, LADY, BE GOOD prove otherwise. This commitment to the true gems of American songwriting helped the songs, and these performances in particular, become "standards" for a generation.
The Complete Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 08/17/1993)
"The Complete Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife" (08/17/1993) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Paul Smith (piano); Jim Hall (guitar); Wilfred Middlebrooks (bass); Gus Johnson (drums). Reissue producer: Phil Schaap. Recorded live at Deutschlandhallen, West Berlin, West Germany on February 13, 1960. Includes liner notes by Dan Morgenstern. The reissue of THE COMPLETE ELLA IN BERLIN... contains 4 tracks not included on the original release: "That Old Black Magic," "Our Love Is Here To Stay," "Love For Sale," and "Just One Of Thoses Things."
Cole Porter Songbook Vol. 2 by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 10/25/1990)
"Cole Porter Songbook Vol. 2" (10/25/1990) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)
The Diva Series by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 05/20/2003)
"The Diva Series" (05/20/2003) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Bobby Stark (trumpet); George Matthews, Nat Story, Sandy Williams (trombone); Waymon Carver (tenor saxophone, flute); Garvin Bushell (alto saxophone, clarinet); Louis Jordan (alto saxophone); Ted McRae (tenor saxophone); Tommy Fulford (piano); Bobby Johnson (guitar); Beverly Peer (bass); Webb (drums). Producers: Milt Gabler, Norman Granz. Compilation producer: Bryan Koniarz. Recorded between 1947 & 1961. Includes liner notes by Will Friedwald. This is part of Verve's Diva Series.
Love Letters From Ella [Digipak] by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 07/31/2007)
The Best of Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 10/18/1994)
"The Best of Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song" (10/18/1994) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)THE BEST OF ELLA FITZGERALD: FIRST LADY OF SONG contains highlights from the FIRST LADY OF SONG 3-CD set on Verve (517 898).
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Ella Fitzgerald by Ella Fitzgerald (CD
"20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Ella Fitzgerald" (01/28/2003) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Hip-O RecordsPersonnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Chick Webb Orchestra, Sy Oliver Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Billy May Orchestra, Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Compilation producers: Andy McKaie, Dana Smart. Recorded between 1938 & 1963. Includes liner note by Joseph F. Laredo. All tracks have been digitally remastered. This is part of Universal Records "20th Century Masters The Millenium Collection" series.
Jerome Kern Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 10/15/1985)
"Jerome Kern Songbook" (10/15/1985) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Conducted by Nelson Riddle. THE JEROME KERN SONGBOOK is perhaps not as celebrated as some of Ella Fitzgerald's earlier entries in the Songbook series, like the Duke Ellington and Cole Porter volumes, but it's a magnificent, joyous celebration nonetheless. Recorded in 1963, with Nelson Riddle arranging and conducting the sessions, THE JEROME KERN SONGBOOK has Riddle's typically lush sound and languid tempos, which perfectly suit both Fitzgerald (whose warm, honeyed voice sounds like it was made for Riddle's arrangements) and the sophisticated material. After opening with the standard "Let's Begin," Fitzgerald and Riddle glide through a dozen of Kern's best tunes, including a remarkable reading of perhaps Kern's best-known song, "The Way You Look Tonight." A flirty "You Couldn't Be Cuter" and a sassy "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" add variety to the ballad-heavy selection, but it's the romantic gems like "All the Things You Are" that resonate the longest.
Our Love Is Here to Stay: Ella & Louis Sing Gershwin by Ella Fitzgerald/Armstrong (CD - 01/27/1998)
"Our Love Is Here to Stay: Ella & Louis Sing Gershwin" (01/27/1998) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Full performer name: Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong. Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Russell Garcia, Nelson Riddle (conductor); Sonny Stitt (alto saxophone); Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Flip Phillips, Lester Young, Illinois Jacquet (tenor saxophone); Roy Eldridge (trumpet); J.J. Johnson (trombone); Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Louie Bellson, Jo Jones, Buddy Rich (drums); The Russell Garcia Orchestra; The Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California on August 16, 1956, between August 18 and October 14, 1957 and between January 5 and July 17, 1959; Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California on July 23, 1957; The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California on October 7, 1957. Includes liner notes by Jim Macnie. Even if you could find someone who wanted to, even if you could find some cynical, embittered individual who hated all things sentimental and old-fashioned, there would be nothing they could do--it is virtually impossible to diminish the popularity of George and Ira Gershwin's songs in the cultural consciousness. The tunes, no matter how overplayed, are just too good-- lyrics clever and memorizable, melodies infectious and immanently hummable. This Verve compilation of Gershwin hits as treated by the irascible Louis Armstrong and the rich stylings of Ella Fitzgerald includes all the favorites. There are selections from Ella's famous performances with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, including "Things Are Looking Up," "'S Wonderful" and also the duo's interpretation of PORGY AND BESS with the spirited "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin," and, of course, "Summertime." The disc's finest numbers though, are the recordings with the Oscar Peterson trio. These versions of "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "How Long Has This Been Going On" forego the swelling arrangements of the larger orchestra for the more intimate feel of the combo. Throughout, Armstrong's inimitable conversational rasp contrasts and complements Fitzgerald's studied, exacting intonation to create a wonderful dynamic that adds even greater life and longevity to these well-known tunes.
The Best of Ella Firzgerald and Louis Armstrong on Verve by Ella Fitzgerald/Armstrong (CD - 08/26/19
"The Best of Ella Firzgerald and Louis Armstrong on Verve" (08/26/1997) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Full performer name: Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong. Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Russell Garcia (conductor, arranger); Trummy Young (trombone); Edmond Hall (clarinet); Billy Kyle, Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown, Dale Jones (bass); Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Barrett Deems (drums). Principally recorded at Capitol Studios, The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, California from August 15, 1956 - August 28, 1957. Includes liner notes by William Ruhlmann. From August 1956 to August 1957, legendary jazz producer Norman Granz oversaw several recording sessions and a handful of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl starring two of the finest singers in jazz history, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Fitzgerald was at the peak of her powers at the time, having clearly defined herself as the best female singer in jazz. Armstrong was comfortably settling into his Grand Old Man of Jazz role by this point, trading hot swing and fiery trumpet solos for genial, good-humored vocalizing. Still, Armstrong was never one to back off from a challenge, and he holds his own divinely against the younger singer. Fitzgerald was Armstrong's only rival as a scat singer, and so nearly every track here dissolves into impressive competing scat solos. Fans of scat singing will rejoice.
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 10/29/2002)
"Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" (10/29/2002) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Frank DeVol And His Orchestra. Recorded at Columbia Recording Studios, New York on July 15 & 16, 1960 and Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California on August 5, 1960. ELLA FITZGERALD WISHES YOU A SWINGING CHRISTMAS is a charming, warmly humorous--and yes, swinging--set of classic Christmas tunes. The program is familiar, from bouncy singalongs like "Jingle Bells" to slinky ballads like a downright sexy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," but Fitzgerald treats each song with exactly as much respect as it deserves. And so Frank Loesser's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" is wistfully romantic and Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne's "Let It Snow" is kittenishly enticing. As always, Norman Granz's production avoids the schlock that drowns some holiday sets. This is as good as jazz Christmas albums get.
Ella For Lovers by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 01/28/2003)
"Ella For Lovers" (01/28/2003) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Ellis Larkins, Paul Smith, Lou Levy (piano); Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis (guitar); Wilfred Middlebrooks, Joe Mondragon (bass); Alvin Stoller, Stan Levey, Gus Johnson (drums). Producers: Milt Gabler, Norman Granz. Compilation producer: Bryan Koniarz. Recorded between 1950 & 1961. Includes liner notes by Al Young. All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Ken Burns Jazz Collection by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 11/07/2000)
"Ken Burns Jazz Collection" (11/07/2000) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Billy May, Quincy Jones (conductor); Louis Armstrong (vocals); Bud Shank (alto saxophone, flute); Louis Jordan, Sonny Stitt, Benny Carter (alto saxophone); Ben Webster, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Flip Phillips, Lester Young, Frank Foster (tenor saxophone); Maurio Bauza, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Maynard Ferguson, Roy Eldridge (trumpet); J.J. Johnson, Urbie Green (trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson, Lou Levy, Count Basie (piano); Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Jim Hall (guitar); Joe Mondragon, Ray Brown (bass); Chick Webb, Alvin Stoller, Louis Bellson, Connie Kay, Stan Levey (drums); Ray Charles Singers (background vocals). Compilation producers: Richard Seidel, Ben Young. Recorded between 1936 and 1963. Includes liner notes by Phil Bailey. Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves (Universal Mastering Studios-East). This is part of the Verve Records Ken Burns JAZZ series.
The Irving Berlin Songbook Vol. 2 by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 10/25/1990)
"The Irving Berlin Songbook Vol. 2" (10/25/1990) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)
Quiet Now: Ella's Moods by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 02/23/1999)
"Quiet Now: Ella's Moods" (02/23/1999) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Oscar Peterson (piano); Count asie (organ); Herb Ellis (guitar). This is part of Verve's Quiet Now series.
The Intimate Ella by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 06/19/1990)
"The Intimate Ella" (06/19/1990) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Paul Smith (piano).
Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 06/30/1989)
"Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie" (06/30/1989) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Lou Levy (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Joe Mondragon (bass); Stan Levey (drums) Recorded in Los Angeles, California on June 22-23, 1961. Includes orginal liner notes by Benny Green and and reissue liner notes by Will Friedwald. Many of the Ella Fitzgerald CDs in print are compilations and recently discovered live recordings, which makes this reissue with bonus tracks of a 1961 album that much more interesting. Produced by Norman Granz, this is a small-combo session with occasional and unobtrusive strings. Though Fitzgerald got her start as a big-band singer, smaller and more intimate combos fit her rich, velvety voice better than big brassy arrangements. Opening with Dizzy Gillespie's classic "Night in Tunisia," which features some outstanding scatting, CLAP HANDS, HERE COMES CHARLIE continues in that bop-oriented vein, with versions of "Stella By Starlight" and Monk's "'Round Midnight." The highest point on the album, though, is a stunning, stripped-down version of "Cry Me a River." The three bonus tracks, recorded during these sessions, are very good, but not revelatory, though the saucy "I Got a Guy" is swinging fun.
Jazz Round Midnight by Ella Fitzgerald/Armstrong (CD - 06/23/1998)
"Jazz Round Midnight" (06/23/1998) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Full perfomer name: Ella Fitzgerald And Louis Armstrong. Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Russell Garcia (conductor); Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich (drums); The Russell Garcia Orchestra. Recorded in Hollywood, California between August 16, 1956 and August 18, 1957. Includes liner notes by Dave Gelly. This is part of Verve's Jazz 'Round Midnight series. Taken from three studio dates and a live recording from the Hollywood Bowl (all dating between 1956 and 1958), this 14-track compilation is a delightful precis of one of the most enjoyable collaborations in jazz history. Like all the entries in Verve's extensive JAZZ ROUND MIDNIGHT series, the collection focuses on ballads and lush orchestrations, but Fitzgerald and Armstrong--the two finest scat singers in jazz history--approach all of their performances with such infectious good humor that the overall atmosphere is more giddy than romantic. Opening with a swinging take on the standard "Can't We Be Friends" and continuing through such gems as "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" and perhaps the definitive version of George and Ira Gershwin's "Summertime," JAZZ ROUND MIDNIGHT is a gorgeous mix of personalities, songs and arrangements sure to delight any fan of jazz vocals.
The Best of the Song Books: The Ballads by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 07/26/1994)
"The Best of the Song Books: The Ballads" (07/26/1994) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Nelson Riddle (arranger, conductor); Russell Procope (alto saxophone, clarinet); Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Shorty Sherock (trumpet); Britt Woodman, Tommy Pederson (trombone); John Cave (French horn); Buddy Collette (flute); Gerald Vinci, Sidney Sharp (violin); David Sterkin, Paul Robyn (viola); Eleanor Slatkin (cello); Corky Hale (harp); Paul Smith (piano); Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis (guitar); Joe Mondragon (bass); Frank Flynn, Alvin Stoller (drums). Includes liner notes by James Gavin. Though her career stretched from the '30s to the '80s and she's widely considered possibly the greatest female jazz singer or all time, Ella Fitzgerald will probably forever be best known for a mid-'50s collection of albums collectively called the Songbooks, where she devoted entire albums to the works of such composers as Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington. THE BEST OF THE SONGBOOKS: THE BALLADS is one of the many compilations based on these recordings, and one of the best. From its beautiful, informative packaging to its gorgeously remastered sound, this 16-track, 64-minute collection treats the material with the respect it deserves. The material, of course, is first-rate, wall-to-wall standards from Johnny Mercer's wistful "Laura" to Ellington's sly "Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me." Fitzgerald's performances are equally outstanding, as are the mostly big-band arrangements. This is as good as jazz ballad collections get.
Like Someone in Love by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 11/19/1991)
"Like Someone in Love" (11/19/1991) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Ted Nash (alto saxophone); Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Frank DeVol and his Orchestra. Includes liner notes by Francis Davis. Digitally remastered by Andrew Nicholas (Polygram Studios). This is part of Polygram's Jazz Vocal Classics series. An album of sensitive arrangements by the underrated Frank DeVol, this collection was staple diet for 50s lounge romantics. Perched with a martini and a cherry in one of those triangular glasses, this is immaculate music. Fitzgerald stepped outside the pattern of recording the Songbook series and used some lesser-known writers. Both "Hurry Home," by Meyer, Emmerick and Bernier, and "Night Wind," by Rothberg and Pollock, are strong tracks. She later re-recorded "How Long Has This Been Going On," while the title track is so perfect it could never be done again. The CD reissue has four bonus tracks to make this a collection by which to propose marriage.
The Best Is Yet to Come by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 03/19/1996)
"The Best Is Yet to Come" (03/19/1996) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Original Jazz ClassicsPersonnel: Ella Fitzgerald, Al Aarons, Bob Cooper, Bill Green, Art Hillery, Jim Hughart, Ronald Langiner, Hubert Laws, Shelly Manne, Joe Pass, Jimmy Rowles, Marshall Royal, Wilbur Schwartz, Tommy Tedesco, Bill Watrous. Recorded in February 1982. When this session was recorded in February 1982, Ella Fitzgerald was nearing her 64th birthday, a fact that may help to not only explain the reflective tone of the title track but the set's emphasis on ballads. Given a career boost by a famous Memorex tape commercial that ran for years on television, Fitzgerald was at the time as famous as she had ever been. More importantly, her voice, always one of the best in jazz, had not only retained its elastic grace, but grown richer with age. Few jazz singers sound this wonderful this late in their careers. Backed by a small combo featuring guitarist Tommy Tedesco and the outstanding bop pianist Jimmy Rowles, Fitzgerald gracefully--almost effortlessly--swings her way through a well-chosen selection of standards. "Autumn in New York" and "Deep Purple" have both been recorded endlessly, but rarely have they sounded so sweet.
At the Montreux Jazz Festival 1975 by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 08/15/1993)
"At the Montreux Jazz Festival 1975" (08/15/1993) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Original Jazz ClassicsPersonnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Keter Betts (bass); Bobby Durham (drums). Recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland on July 17, 1975. Includes liner notes by Benny Green. Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (Fantasy Studios, Berkley, California). In the mid-'70s, Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most visible artists in jazz, thanks largely to television appearances and a popular Memorex commercial. Her yearly appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland were highlights of the festival weekend, and were often released as live albums. Her 1975 set--backed by pianist Tommy Flanagan and his rhythm section--is a spirited whirl through jazz and pop history. Opening with the Ellington classics "Caravan" and "Satin Doll," Fitzgerald and Flanagan essay Cole Porter's "Let's Do It," two samba jewels by Antonio Carlos Jobim and the Billie Holiday classic "Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do." The clear highlight, though, is an abandoned and often extremely funny extended scat version of "How High the Moon" incorporating snatches of many other jazz and pop classics. It's a tour de force performance.
The Very Best Of The Cole Porter Song Book by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 02/13/2007)
Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 04/18/1988)
"Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert" (04/18/1988) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)This was recorded on Ella's 40th Birthday, 1958. Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Lou Levy (piano); Max Bennett (bass); Gus Johnson (drums). Oscar Peterson Trio: Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass). Recorded on April 25, 1958, Ella Fitzgerald's 40th birthday, ELLA IN ROME finds one of the best jazz singers in history at the peak of her powers and not yet even halfway through her long and illustrious career. Norman Granz, head of Verve and Fitzgerald's producer, gives a flowery introduction that Fitzgerald goes on to justify. The opening "St Louis Blues," with an extended, intricate scat solo, is simply transcendent, and the ballads, like a slinky version of Duke Ellington's "Just Squeeze Me (But Please Don't Tease Me)," are stunning. The hour-long program also features a small-combo set with the always-amazing Oscar Peterson Quartet and a salute to Louis Armstrong, with whom Fitzgerald had recently recorded three albums. The entire performance is simply remarkable, and a must for Fitzgerald fans.
Bluella: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Blues by Ella Fitzgerald (CD)
"Bluella: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Blues" (n/a) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Pablo RecordsPersonnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Ray Brown, Harry Carney, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Roy Eldridge, Mercer Ellington, Herb Ellis, Tommy Flanagan, Stan Getz, Paul Gonsalves, Freddie Green, Johnny Hodges, Joe Pass, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Cootie Williams. Recorded between 1953 and 1979.
Pure Ella (Verve) by Ella Fitzgerald (CD - 03/31/1998)
"Pure Ella (Verve)" (03/31/1998) Jazz Vocal Fitzgerald, Ella, Verve (USA)Personnel includes: Ella Fitzerald (vocals); Paul Weston, Nelson Riddle, Buddy Bregman, Russell Garcia, Billy May (conductor); Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Flip Phillips, Lester Young, Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison, Louis Armstrong, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge (trumpet); J.J. Johnson (trombone); Paul Smith, Lou Levy, Oscar Peterson, Tommy Flanagan, Count Basie (piano); Jim Hall, Herb Ellis (guitar); Wilfred Middlebrooks, Ray Brown, Kelter Betts (bass); Gus Johnson, Buddy Rich, Jo Jones, Connie Kay (drums). Recorded between 1956 and 1965. Includes liner notes by Will Friedwald.