Customer Reviews

Ella Fitzgerald - Live at Montreux 1969

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I first met Ella in 1968 while she was appearing in New Orleans. What you saw and heard, represented Ella as a person, to a "T." I had been a fan of hers for many years prior to that time. Her uncanny ability to absolutely memerize an audience without ANY "gimmicks," etc., was always something to behold. The timing, absolute perfect "pitch," phrasing and musicianship could never be disputed. Luckily, this concert in Montreaux, taped in 1969, has preserved Ella as she truly was. She was also much more comfortable singing with a trio, rather than a big band, as it allowed her the freedom to do ANYTHING (vocally) that she wanted. This particular concert featured Ed Thigpen (formerly with Oscar Peterson) on Drums, Frank DeLarosa on Bass (who just completed a stint with Sarah Vaughan) and Tommy Flanagan on Piano (who stayed with Ella for most of the rest of her life). They and Ella, complemented each other so well that, no band was ever needed to bring out the best of her talent. The only negative comment would be that it was taped in B&W and consisted of some shoddy camera work. Other than that...GET THIS DVD!!!!!!!! Very well worth the money and then some!!!!

Much more of Ella's taped live performances need to be released!!! This is a fantastic concert featuring the First Lady displaying her gifts!!!! great swing numbers, ballads, soulful renditions of current pop songs, backed by a great trio of musicians, this concert DVD has great sound & picture quality, a Most Have for Ella fans!!!

Ella fitzgerald showcases Her classic Instrument which moved so many peoples. Her range is amazing here. She incorperates so many styles here and make them all work. now she does the standards,but then takes on the Modern feel of the times. and her Riff Runs near the end of the show are magical. Ella Fitzgerald reminds you of what Greatness can truly feel like un-cut on a stage. the musicianship was fantastic.arrangements went into almost every direction that you could imagine and yet ella stayed on point.a Must have.

I love Ella with all my heart; I just don't think this is the best Ella DVD you can buy. It's still very nice though, with some hot swinging, few fine and dandy moments for Tommy Flanagan, a true jazz poet on piano, a nice bossa nova...

But, the choice of songs is somewhat questionable (too much transient contemporary fodder) and Ella's voice actually sounded better even on some slightly later recordings and her spirit and power was higher even at some quite significantly later recordings (see Ella's Montreux DVD from 1977, also with Flanagan)... So, if you like Ella, as I do, you're sure to like this DVD, although I prefer these two DVDs:

Jazz Icons: Ella Fitzgerald Live in '57 and '63, Norman Granz Jazz in Montreux Presents Ella Fitzgerald and Tommy Flanagan Trio '77

Since we don't have time machines, the only way to appreciate Ella Fitzgerald live is on the screen. This DVD is better than most since it captures the beloved First Lady of Song during a magical time of music. During this concert, Miss Fitzgerald's repertoire ranges from classic jazz to the Beatles and she sings every song flawlessly. A must-have for all Ella fans.

I am Manuel De Sica, the composer of the song included in this DVD 2"A place for lovers"(lyrics by Norman Gimbel). Thanks God to receive this unique gift to be sung(I was twenty, that year)from the greatest female singer of all times.

Seeing her perform live is the best way to see Ella Fitzgerald perform. Since she has now passed, the second best way is to her on video performing live. Great songs, and even better performances. Don't miss her rendition of "Hey Jude."