The Complete Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong [BOX SET] [LIMITED EDITION]

Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 16, 1997)
• Original Release Date: May 20, 1997
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set, Limited Edition
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000047EI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #46,639 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A better pairing does not exist., February 20, 2001

By	Eric V. Moye (New York, by way of Dallas) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The music gods smiled upon us several decades back when they permitted these two American treasures to pair up to create a number of memorable recordings. Happily, their efforts have been captured and reproduced on disc here. These discs capture the Verve recording sessions that are now legendary.

The contrast between the two of them is phenomenal. These contain Ella Fitzgerald when her voice was at its very strongest, and it was as clear as a bell. This contrasts with the unmistakable rasp that comes from Louis, but also is complemented by some of the most dynamic trumpet work this side of heaven. There is a wonderful juxtaposition of the two of them when they close out "Tenderly", and Louis scats and Ella's voice mimics his wonderfully identifiable voice.

"A Fine Romance", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Stompin at the Savoy" are but a few of the classics here. Of course, nothing in the world is like their duet on the Gershwin classic "Summertime", which alone makes this worth the price of the set. These two classics together that cannot be beat.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unique Talent and Sound of Ella and Louis, February 8, 2000

By A Customer

If you like music then you will love this compilation of songs by Ella and Satchmo. Ella's angel-like voice together with Satch's cultured rasp is like nothing that was ever done before or since. The orchestration showcases the two performer's remarkable ability to make the best music on earth sound so good that words can't describe the experience of listening to it. The harmonies and melodies are astounding in their ability to not only get under your skin but into your soul.

Ella, in her late thirties, was in her prime and sounded like an angel on earth. Satchmo was in his mid-fiftys but his style had evolved into a seemingly flawless continuum between vocal and instrumental that soothes and rejuvenates. What he couldn't say with his voice he said with his horn. The result of listening to these two perform this lovely earthy music this music gives one visions of paradise.

The combination of these two legendary artists is probably the best duet jazz vocal work ever recorded...and that is quite an understatement!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Chemistry Makes These Tracks Shine , December 13, 2005

By	James Morris (Jackson Heights, NY United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I am quite sure that there are few duets of any musical genre, regardless of the artists, that can easily match the magical chemistry that these two performers exhibit on these wonderful tracks. I could be wrong, but I believe that much of the magic is due to the total musicality of Louis Armstrong, a giant personality who could probably duet with anyone and have the results cook. There is, I believe, an equal chemistry on the two tracks that Louis Armstrong recorded with Billie Holiday for Decca.

Not that there is anything wrong with Ella, long known as the First lady of Song -she's one of my favorites, and with good reason. The tracks that are presented on the "Complete" Ella and Louis - as others have noted, these are only the complete VERVE tracks - are utterly sublime. There is not a bad performance among them. As long as people are mentioning their favorite track, mine is Stars Fell on Alabama, but that just happens to be a personal preference.

Many have mentioned the Ella / Louis Decca duets. There is an import CD by Blue Moon Records called "Ella and Satchmo" which contains numerous solo tracks by both Ella and Louis, and five of their Decca duets (I don't know if there are more - I wish Decca would put out a CD of the complete Ella / Louis duets). For those who may be interested, the duet tracks on the Blue Moon release are Would You Like to Take a Walk, Dream a Little Dream of Me, Frim Fram Sauce, You Won't Be Satisfied (Until You Break My Heart) and Can Anyone Explain. Well worth the investment, since the performances (if not the accompaniment) are equal to the later Verve duets. Some of the solo tracks are quite interesting as well.