Customer Reviews

Dear Ella

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a classic tribute to a classic artist and Ella would be proud and pleased to hear her wonderful songs given the incredibly apropos and swinging treatment with which Dee Dee has rendered them. This tribute joins Her tributes to Ellington and Horace Silver in my collection. I believe it unfortunate that Dee Dee has not gained the recognition she so richly deserves given that she has the voice and musical chops that have her in my first tier of jazz vocalists. Yes, I think she belongs with the best and I doubt that Sarah, Nancy, Carmen, Billie or even Ella would deny her although, and this is the rub, her body of work cannot compare in volume. Diane Krall, no disrespect intended, is perhaps a great white hope in the field and as a result garners far more attention and regard than her voice and artistry, could they stand on their own, merit. Krall is a good singer, Dee Dee smokes. Comparisons are odious and I apologize for them, but in response to Cocopazzo: take the LA tinsel out of your ears because you can't possibly be listening to the same music I am. Ella will not spin in her grave, not that a tribute by any artist of another implies an equality or superiority of talent but certainly an appreciation of it, she may, however, tap her toes and scat along with Dee Dee.

I'm about half way through listening to this recording for the first time, and couldn't wait to recommend it. I listen to a lot of Jazz, but have made no recommendations, until now. You should believe the other positive reviews you find here. This is an amazing CD, one I know I will enjoy over and over. You don't need to think of Ella, or make comparisons with anyone. Dee Dee's own work, talent & passion for this project can be heard and felt. The recording is clean, forward and warm, with a perfect balance of all involved. Great instrument performances and arrangements. Well worth every penny. Can't wait to turn my friends on to this.

"Dear Ella" clearly shows that Dee Dee Bridgewater is one of the most talented vocalist/musicians of Jazz - whatever era. Her fresh renditions of classic Ella tunes pay homage while bearing Dee Dee's signature vocal acrobatics, sweet melancholy and impressive style.

This is the ULTIMATE jazz album. The vocals are incredible. The arrangements are magnificent. The musicians are phenomenal. This is the opus, the pinnacle of jazz albums. It is no wonder it won 2 Grammy's...at least the awards people got this right. A MUST HAVE!

That's right! What's the story here? Dee Dee is probably one of the best (although not quite getting the acknowledgement as a certain ms krall) in her class and her renditions here are just awesome. That's that!

Her scat abilities are just awesome and I found her interpretations fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. There's only one Ella and it's not fair to compare Dee Dee to her. Than again, there's only one Dee Dee. Keep up the good work girl!

dee dee bridgewateris phenomenal. if you ever get a chance to see her live-do it. the best shows i've ever seen. band is too cool, too.

A fine outing by Dee Dee. To praise her talent does not necessitate downing Krall or other artists.
It's a tough business. Let's praise what we like and not trash others to make our point; which may or may not be valid.
I'd gladly open my wallet, and have, to see any of the ladies mentioned on this page, perform.
My best to them all for giving us their best.

If you haven't the chance to listen to Ella herself, choose DeeDee Bridgewater. Not that she sounds alike - she has her own strong interpretations - but she is also a genius. Her scatting and phrasing is magnificent. Diana Krall is a boring mainstream singer in comparison. If she were a not-blonde, male singer everyone would notice her mediocrity.

Dee Dee Bridgewater is simply not up to the task of doing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. While Ms. Bridgewater is a decent singer, one can't compare her to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. If you want to hear Ella's standards performed by someone other than Ella, I highly suggest grabbing one of Nancy Wilson's, Little Jimmy Scott's, or Sarah Vaughn's CD's. As for the new crop of jazz vocalists, one can't go wrong with Diana Krall.