O-10:
Today's Listen:
Ella Fitzgerald -- SINGS THE DUKE ELLINGTON SONGBOOK
2 CD SET. CD1 is her singing with small group backing. CD2 is her with the Ellington Band. The small group was more to my liking, but both are flawless.
This woman has COMPLETE control of her voice. Every time she goes down into the lower register I brace for a Billie Holiday type moment. No cracking here, she gets down there with authority. No coming down to it, or up to it, she just nails it!
It's amazing how in the middle of a well known Ellington tune she will just change it, as if she is saying, "well Duke, you could have done this" and just change the pace and rhythm of the song. It's amazing.
On the number "Rockin' in Rhythm" with the Ellington band, she does not sing, she plays Sax. :) Amazing!
Everyone, who is anyone, is on board. Including:
Ben Webster, Paul Gonsalves, Snuff Smith, Johnny Hodges, Cat Anderson, Clark terry, Dizzy, Duke, Strayhorn, Oscar Peterson, Barney kessel, Ray brown and Sam Woodyard.
You gotta have it. Next up, is "Ella and Basie". Got them both today.
The entire CD is on youtube. Check it out
Cheers
