This CD combines two very good live performances from Ella Fitzgerald's 1957 Jazz at the Philharmonic tour, with superb accompaniment provided by a quartet that includes Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. The second performance... more » repeats most of the material from the first, so listeners can compare renditions of some fine repertoire such as "It's All Right with Me," "Ill Wind," and "Moonlight in Vermont," noting the subtle shifts and rearrangements that were a key part of Fitzgerald's art. The CD concludes with two tunes accompanied by one of those massed ensembles of celebrated players that the JATP was famous, or notorious, for. This one includes eight horns, among them Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Illinois Jacquet, and Flip Phillips on tenor saxophones, providing the CD with a raucous send-off. --Stuart Broomer« less
This CD combines two very good live performances from Ella Fitzgerald's 1957 Jazz at the Philharmonic tour, with superb accompaniment provided by a quartet that includes Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. The second performance repeats most of the material from the first, so listeners can compare renditions of some fine repertoire such as "It's All Right with Me," "Ill Wind," and "Moonlight in Vermont," noting the subtle shifts and rearrangements that were a key part of Fitzgerald's art. The CD concludes with two tunes accompanied by one of those massed ensembles of celebrated players that the JATP was famous, or notorious, for. This one includes eight horns, among them Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Illinois Jacquet, and Flip Phillips on tenor saxophones, providing the CD with a raucous send-off. --Stuart Broomer
"This album contains live tracks from two 1958 JATP concerts recorded a few weeks apart. Originally released on LP, it had a Chicago concert on one side and a Los Angeles concert on the other. Many of the same tunes are repeated, and it is interesting to hear how Ella sang in concert night after night. As per usual, Ella ends her set with an extended scat (Stompin' at the Savoy). In the LA concert, however, we get to hear an encore number -- Lady Be Good -- which is the highlight of the album. This is an excellent CD for both the casual and avid fan."
A fine example of superb jazz singing...
Aaron | Aaron | 02/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ella Fitzgerld may have not been the 1st lady of jazz, but she sure could sing jazz, ballads, swing songs, almost anything. This live set with the JATP featuring Oscar Peterson is a fine example of superb jazz singing. The only regret is that Norman Granz(President of Verve Records)did not record Miss Fitzgerald's opening singer Helen Humes. Overall this is one of Ella's finest performances. This CD belongs in every jazz collectors library. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
GREAT
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 05/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"HEARING ELLA FItzgerald Live is incredible.Together with the Great Band She Sounds Fantastic.Her VOice Gets Better&Better with Each&Every listen.She is a Crown Jewel too Hear.This is Very Essential.YOU FEEL HER EMOTION&DEPTH."
Incomparable!
J. Walsh | NYC | 09/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got this CD as a birthday gift when I turned 23. It was my first Ella Fitzgerald album, and I think it's a perfect way to introduce yourself to this greatest of all American singers of the 20th century. If you're looking to buy your first Ella CD this is a perfect place to start. Believe me, after a few spins of this incredible concert you'll want to plunk down the whole 300 bucks for the Complete Songbook Collection. If you're already a fan and you haven't heard this recording, um, I don't know what atoll you've been stranded on, but click buy now immediately and place this jewel in with the rest of your Ella collection. An absolute must!"