Rating:
Genre:
Vocal Music
Release Date: 01/28/2003
This budget-priced 12-song compilation provides the listener a quick introduction to the work of
Ella Fitzgerald. The collection focuses mainly on her work in the 1950s for
Verve but also includes her 1938 hit for
Decca,
"A-Tisket A-Tasket," the 1939 song
"Undecided," her 1949 recording of
"I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So," and two tracks from the early '60s:
"A Fine Romance" from 1963's
The Jerome Kern Song Book and
"Blues in the Night" from 1961's
Sings the Harold Arlen Song Book. The songs from the 1950s are thought by many to be
Ella's best work, and her duets with
Louis Armstrong are considered right near the top. The two
jazz giants recorded
"Dream a Little Dream of Me" in 1950. Other highlights from the 1950s are her reworking of an earlier hit,
"You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini), Pts. 1 & 2" from 1952 with
Sy Oliver's big band, her sweet take on
"But Not for Me" from 1950's
Ella Sings Gershwin, and the beautiful
"Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'" from 1957's triumphant
Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book. The disc is nowhere near comprehensive but gives a good idea why
Ella is so revered and would make a decent first purchase for the
Ella neophyte with a limited budget.
~Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
;)
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