Search - Ella Fitzgerald :: Sings Antonio Carlos

Ella Showed She Could Still Sing

Dwayne L. Smith | Washington, DC | 04/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Granted, Ella's voice was a mere shadow of her glory years, but her control of her lower register was impeccable. Of course, her scatting, especially on "The Boy from Impanema," was hard hitting. She romps through "Somewhere in the Hills," and her interpretation of "Wave" was beautiful. She also sings a few songs in Portugese. And as if the language wasn't romantic enough, Ella delivers with perfect diction and timing. This is a CD that you can listen to with your sweetheart, some candlelight, and a glass of your favorite drink. Unfortunately, this CD was recorded about 15 years or so after the bossa nova craze hit the United States, so it didn't receive the notoriety of her previous songbooks. Again, her voice may not have sounded like it did 20 years previously, but on this recording, Ella is firmly in control."

A highly enjoyable Jobim compilation

Dwayne L. Smith | 07/21/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album has received undue criticism for Ella's less-than-impeccable vocals. Her voice may no longer be in its girlish prime, but Ella still puts in a strong, sensitive performance, and in many respects the more gravelly tone of her later years suits these pieces better. The album provides a very good selection of Jobim's best compositions, the pieces are beautifully paced, and a galaxy of stars provides seamless backing and superb embellishment -- Joe Pass in particular is in fine form here. As a vehicle for Jobim's tunes, these performances are first rate."

Ella abraca jobim

Dwayne L. Smith | 08/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My husband and I are thrilled to have found this wonderful music. I can't pick a favorite, they are all great.
20 years ago, my daer friend at the time recorded it for me from his record and 20 years later, we still love it and more so. listening to it is a celebration every time, and so beautifully romantic, it's my favorite Ella music."