Customer Reviews

75th Anniversary Celebration

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The recording career of Ella Fitzgerald remains one of the greatest in all popular and jazz music. Her recordings remain definitive among those of her contemporaries. While her Verve recordings (1956-1966) hold pride of place in her vast catalogue, it should not be forgotten than her recordings for other labels have equal merit. These include those she made for the Decca label (1936-1955).

This fine compilation of the best of her Decca recordings provides some fine examples of her work for label while displaying the development of the greatest female singer in popular and jazz music of the 20th Century. Beginning with the girlish sounds of her work with Chick Webb from the 1930's through to be-bop sides of the 1940's and the lush ballads of the 1950's, this compilation presents a fine sampling of her work.

The tracks were personally selected by Milt Gabler, producer of much of the material found here. The extensive liner notes and beautiful packaging add much to the overall appeal of this set which was released in tribute of the first lady of song on her 75th birthday. It is a must for all fans of this remarkable singer as well as those interested in hearing material from the first two decades of her recording career.

Box sets and greatest hits compilations are the audio equivalent of a Whitman's Sampler; there's a lot to choose from and you may not like everything in it. Those compiling box sets face the challenge of what to include and exclude which is complicated when the artist has as lengthy and prolific a career as Ella Fitzgerald. Suffice to say it would be hard to get any two Ella Fitzgerald fans to agree on a track listing as they'll differ on interests such as which era, which genre, which styles, and other issues. Most of what's included here are some of her better known tracks from 1938 to 1955; her most productive years and a pretty broad span of time! There certainly are tracks here I'd exclude and others I'd have like to seen included, but "75th Birthday Celebration" is a good survey of Ella as an artist during her years with the Decca label, albeit an incomplete one. And like the Whitman's Sampler there's enough here to give you an idea of what you like and can pursue elsewhere. The recordings were re-mastered and sound much better than other re-re-releases and the accompanying booklet provides a nice amount of information on Ella and her career. A great starting point!

I am SO glad that I have this two cd set in my collection - it's fabulous.
Two whole discs of Ella's early recordings - she recorded for Decca before she moved over to Verve with the great Norman Granz.
The songs are wonderful and the quality is amazingly good.
This set is a must-have for lovers of both Ella Fitzgerald and American Popular Song of the 20th Century.

Your favorite Seer was not always this knowlegable. No. He learned his craft from the very highest of Seers, namely John the word wise and Grete the care less icon. I learned alot from them since we both lived in Zeutheniatown some time ago. They wrote your favorite Seer and asked me, "Metamorpho, how come you review things that we have no idea of? Haven't we taught you better than that"? And the answer is, yes of course. Thereby, or fore, I am reviewing this incredible collection from Ella's early days.
What could I possibly add that hasn't been said about the greatest of jazz singers- Ella Fitzgerald? I would give this 7 or 8 stars easily if I had them to give. What an incredible vocalist! It is no wonder she is considered the best at her craft. She swings, she ballads, and her voice becomes an instrumental instrument in the mix. It is an amazing thing this Ella discovered. She could be a vocalist as well as part of the band- and this is extraordinary when you consider the conventions that were in place when she started. She became a part of the music- and no artist was better at this than Ella.
She croons, she scats, she swoons- all with that indelible crystal clear vocal. Ella is the very highest watermark in jazz vocals and it's not likely there will be another one like her.
But - in regards to this collection; every one of the songs is a gem. I have been busy listening and when I think I've gotten the best nuance that she gives in song, another one comes along to give me equal awe. We have here "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" which began her career and other wonderful renditions of "It's Only a Paper Moon", "Oh, Lady Be Good", "How High the Moon", "I Got the World On a String", "Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own" and etc. etc. The list goes on. Insofar as great American music is concerned, the great lady Ella Fitzgerald covered it.
This double c.d set is great stuff. She's got premier jazz bands behind her that compliment in every way. The essence of backing with the singer has never been more perfect. Ella's singing is pure and perfect. I can't say enough about this wonderous artist. She gets into the synapses of your mind and soon you are a convert to this music. No matter what kind of music you listen to- eventually you get to Ella. Such an unassuming lady but the very best at her craft. How could you not love her?
I have to admit that, despite all the great songs here, I really like "Mr. Paganini". Why? Who knows? But Ella sings it, and that may be reason enough.
This c,d, set is a treasure and one of the finest examples of the great American tunes of this, or any era. When you want to loved- play Ella. When you want to be coddled-play Ella - when you want the ease that life can bring- play Ella. Yes- it's really that simple.
This is proof postive that there is great music around, no matter what the era or what is popular at the time. There have been great things done outside of you personal life span so get with it. Discover what has gone before you - it is equally, if not better than what the mass mind machine would want you to listen to. Ella was the real thing- and we are all very lucky to have her - now and for always.
I know that this music merely scratches the surface of all that she's done - but believe me that it's a fine starting point for new discovery and appreciation for a true American treasure.
Buy this. It will make you feel great about yourself. Make you feel great about being alive to appreciate it.

As always Ella - I love you.......

Your Metamorpho