but the 77 minutes featured on this release are, as the title has it, "essential". In 1956 Ella moved to Verve, and her album The Cole Porter Songbook was her first release for the label. It was such a success that for the next eight years Fitzgerald recorded a definitive series of songbooks, creating in the process a unique chronicle of the finest melodies of not only Cole Porter, but of Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and others. It is from those great albums that this anthology has been compiled, and with such a treasure-trove of American song to chose from, every selection is a superbly performed classic. Fitzgerald can be warm and tender, sardonic and blue, but is always a dazzlingly "sophisticated lady" (a track which actually appears on Verve's lavish For The Love Of Ella Fitzgerald double-set). Whether swinging or lamenting, and with every detail of the original tapes brought to life via exceptional remastering, Ella is in fine voice backed by impeccable arrangements. It is indeed, "'s wonderful" and the only response is to be "bewitched". --Gary S. Dalkin
...I bought EllaFitzgerald when told by three of my friends that she could make your life better; this is true. It's partly the quality of the songs she sings on these two albums - all jazz standards by wonderful composers such as Gershwin and Cole Porter - and partly her beautiful, warm voice that make the CDs so immensely likable. Her singing has a sweetness, purity and naturalness that everyone can appreciate; it is also expressive, although it is better at conveying joy, exuberance and playfulness than sadness. I have listened to these CDs so much that they have been worn out; they are perfect for cocktails, relaxing and romantic evenings in....
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Advantages: Beautiful Lady with a Beautiful Voice Disadvantages: None
...I found this CD a couple of years ago in my mum's collection when I was looking for something to listen to as I was bored. I was pleasently suprised when I discovered it had lots of pieces that I already knew. I have been brought up surrounded by classical, jazz, blues etc as my parents are fanatics and to be honest I prefer classic singers to modern music (which is quite unusual for a 20 year old!).
She was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 25th, 1917 and died on June 15th, 1996. In her lifetime, Ella won 13 Grammy awards and also sold over 40 million album, working with Jazz ledgends such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Nat King Cole. She was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 25th, 1917 and died on June 15th, 1996. EllaFitzgerald has a warm, romantic style of singing and sounds sooo relaxed when she's singing and you...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
...I bought EllaFitzgerald when told by three of my friends that she could make your life better; this is true. It's partly the quality of the songs she sings on these two albums - all jazz standards by wonderful composers such as Gershwin and Cole Porter - and partly her beautiful, warm voice that make the CDs so immensely likable. Her singing has a sweetness, purity and naturalness that everyone can appreciate; it is also expressive, although it is better at conveying joy, exuberance and playfulness than sadness. I have listened to these CDs so much that they have been worn out; they are perfect for cocktails, relaxing and romantic evenings in....
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Advantages: A compact CD with excellent repertoire Disadvantages: May not be know to the younger generation
...A Classic old time favourite by EllaFitzgerald with excellent vocals and the timbre unique to Ella herself; optimum recording exceeds some modern Jazz in tonality and expression. EllaFitzgerald provides good enjoyable listening and a splendid addition to previous volumes - a veritable Jazz experience, well recommended. As an old classic released in 2005 this EllaFitzgerald Vol. 4 is not new on the market but still provides enjoyable background music - why not propose on occasions such as family celebrations or some super wedding anniversary? EllaFitzgerald generates loving memories and moving old-time novelties for the younger generation. As for the
collectionists or jazz music afficionados I would say this CD of Classic Jazz Vocals would be a special addition ensuring some long moments of listening to good music with a good...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Amazing contrast of voices, Disadvantages: Some sonic quality is lost due to the age of the recording
...This CD is a brilliant stepping-stone into the Jazz world. The instantly recognisable voice of Louis Armstrong is familiarly heart warming, Louis stood next to the sensational Ella, make a fine pair. The strong vocals are supported by the excellent band, with great instrumental links keeping the listener on the edge of their seat.
The intensity and coarseness of Mr. Armstrong's voice compels the audience to wish for the next scat solo or the next parade of incredible human talent that is Louis. Of course the same can be said of the sassy Ms. Fitzgerald who can sustain these high levels of aptitude.
I recommend this CD to any budding music fan who wishes to broaden their Musical horizons! HAPPY LISTENING!
BY, JAKE HEMMING...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
somewhat helpful 14.04.2006
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