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| Walhello -> Knowledge Base -> CDs -> E -> Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook |
| Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook Band: Ella Fitzgerald Tracks: - All Through the Night - Anything Goes - Miss Otis Regrets - Too Darn Hot - In the Still of the Night - I Get a Kick Out of You - Do I Love You? - I'm Always True to You in My Far Fashion - Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) - Just One of Those Things - Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye - All of You - Begin the Beguine - Get Out of Town - I Am in Love - From This Moment On - I Love Paris - You Do Something to Me - Ridin' High - Easy to Love - It's All Right With Me - Why Can't You Behave? - What Is This Thing Called Love? - You're the Top - Love for Sale - It's De-Lovely - Night and Day - Ace in the Hole - So in Love - I've Got You Under My Skin - I Concentrate on You - Don't Fence Me In - You're the Top [Alternative][#] - I Concentrate on You [Alternate Take][#] - Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) [Alternate Take][#] Cole POTER, PERFECTLY RENDERED BY THE Eternal ELLA This is the stuff dreams are made of -- arguably the finest jazz voice of all time interpreting the essential works by one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century. How could it possibly be any better? These recordings, dating from 1956, were made in Hollywood -- Ella accompanied by the outstanding Buddy Bregman Orchestra. They possess an astounding clarity for their time -- in mono, but with amazing fidelity -- and stand to remind us not only of Ella's gift, but that of Cole Porter as well. Most of these tunes are from stage shows, a few from films, with 'Miss Otis regrets' added for good measure -- most, if not all, familiar to anyone who has been exposed to music since the 1940s. Cole Porter's artistry is almost without peer among songwriters of any genre. His melodies are memorable and imaginative, uniquely expressive. His lyrics are a monument to his appreciation of all the nuances of the English language -- filled with emotion and humor, masterfully crafted, containing some of the most inventive uses of internal rhymes and wordplay I've ever heard in song. Teamed with Ella's legendary interpretive prowess, this is a combination that would be hard to beat. She holds the lyrics with her voice as if she were caressing them with her hands -- every note is perfect, her voice cooing or soaring as emotion leads it. The treatment here is the full big-band arrangement -- soaring strings, piano, nudging but muted horns. The orchestra surrounds her, but never overpowers her voice (if that were indeed possible). It serves to remind us what a great talent she was -- thankfully, through her massive recording output, we can enjoy this Gift forever. This is a lovingly assembled package -- 2 cds that contain the entire original 2-lp set plus alternate takes of three of the songs (including one where we can hear spoken exchanges in the studio between Ella and the musicians and engineers) -- complete with copious notes (including the original artwork and notes from the album). Verve has done a great service to music lovers by making this available in this form. It's hard to imagine that anyone has never heard Ella. There are so many ways to enjoy and appreciate her -- this is probably one of the finest showcases featuring her with a big band, but all the groupings in which she worked are worth investigating, in order that each listener can find a personal favorite. Check out her albums done as a duo with guitar great Joe Pass, or ones with her working with a solo piano, or with a small combo. They're all beautiful settings for the Jewel of her voice. As close to perfection as it gets The wonderful songs of Cole Porter, sung by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald... it does not get any better than this. I've loved this set since buying the original CDs, issued in the late 1980s. The new remasterings are excellent, with improved sound (the Originals were not bad at all, but the new versions seem to have a broader, more open sound) and attractive new packaging, including expanded liner notes. The cardboard case may not be as durable as plastic Jewel boxes, but it's a lot cooler in appearance. As for the songs, there's not a bad one in the bunch, and Ella delivers them in her own inimitable style: sophisticated without putting on airs, intimate without being overly familiar... the perfect voice and the perfect style for Porter's lyrics. Several other reviewers have called these "desert island discs", and once you've heard them, you're likely to agree. You MUST Get This CD! There's nothing better than this. Oh Ella! I wish I could tell her how much I have enjoyed this CD. She is the stuff dreams are made of. That voice! How did you do it Ella? So effortless for you. Incredible. This is my all time favorite CD. I listen to all kinds of music and cannot go a day without hearing Ella sing Cole Porter. Don't hesitate to buy this- you'll listen to it the rest of your life. Cole Porter's lyrics pour out of her so perfectly. Those songs were made for her to sing! Her phrasing is impeccable. I just cannot Express how amazing this Songbook is. BUY IT! Buy Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.comJamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! |
