1. CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS? 2. ISN'T THIS A LOVELY DAY? 3. MOONLIGHT IN VERMONT 4. THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME 5. UNDER A BLANKET OF BLUE 6. TENDERLY 7. A FOGGY DAY 8. STARS FELL ON ALABAMA 9. CHEEK TO CHEEK 10. THE NEARNESS OF YOU 11. APRIL IN PARIS This is the VINYL version of this album

If we had to choose only one recording that would be representative of American jazz at its finest, this would be it. Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are absolute royalty in the jazz world, and this LP, “Ella & Louis” — remastered and reissued on NEW vinyl — shows why. Although this has been issued in recent years on CD, the vinyl version offers a wonderful soundstage and extra natural timbre and warmth.

Unlike the drama of Streissand or a Celine Dion, or the vocal gymnastics of a Whitney or Mariah, here especially, “The First Lady of Song” shows her greatness by not ever pushing. She evinces pure, straight-ahead singing. She rocks, sways, purrs and gives voice to timeless classics from the Great American Songbook with stunning phrasing, precise diction and sincere emotion. Louis’s gravelly but strangely appealing voice is punctuated by his rather understated but very effective trumpet work, all buoyed up by some of the best musicians in jazz at the peak of their talents. The personnel list includes Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown and Buddy Rich — raising high expectations that aren't disappointed.

Composer Cole Porter wrote truly elegant, “tasty” songs with clever lyrics and was able to do this without a songwriting partner. These recordings were laid down in 1956, the year after Porter’s final Broadway musical, “Silk Stockings,” opened.

Although the album starts off with the playful “Can’t We Be Friends?,” most of the music is slow, relaxed and pensive...and hence more romantic.

This album was obviously cut in the analog age, when everybody was together in the studio at one time, and little mistakes were unavoidable. Armstrong shows his lack of formal schooling in a couple of passages by singing “have a sigh” instead of “heave a sigh,” or “wheat from the shaft” instead of “chaff.” But his faulty grammar (and yes, his occasional note or two off-key), is what makes this recording so authentic. Ella and Louis show a profound respect for each other by blending, not competing with each other. The syngergy between the two is a delight to behold. Their emphasis on melody is the modern day version of Franz Schubert's melodic genius.

We don't know why anybody, after hearing this definitive version of “Stars Fell On Alabama” would bother to record it. The rendition of “Cheek To Cheek” highlights both Armstrong's sassy chops and Ella's Big Band swing. Oscar Peterrson provides an unusually subdued and minimalistic piano accompaniment to excellent effect. “Moonlight In Vermont” has always been a favorite of ours, with its evocative imagery. “The Nearness Of You” offers a feeling of such tranquility and contentment.

This is a recording which the serious jazz student will treasure and which the more casual listener will quickly come to consider a favorite. It serves equally well as laid-back dinner music or as something for intensive listening. As one critic commented, “How good is this album? It's so good that if my house was on fire, I'd rush in to save it.” The remastering is first-rate; the music is dynamic, clear and all the instruments are perfect.

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!

 

Order Now! Vinyl LP Only $27.95 (plus shipping: $3.95 U.S; $6 worldwide; buy more than 1 CD and get shipping discounts)

 

 

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