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It should come as no surprise that the first collaboration between Ella and Louis was so successful
that it was quickly followed by a sequel--and a double album, no less. Even the dumbest A&R man
could anticipate the potential magic in the pairing; both singers were at the peak of their popularity
in 1957,
straying from their jazz roots yet becoming influential and noteworthy interpreters of popular song in
the process. Both share a penchant for mirthful clowning and light banter, yet Armstrong’s burnished
growl and Ella’s brassy swagger couldn’t be more different and still complement each other
superbly.
Make no mistake, this is clearly a vocal album--the only solos are Armstrong’s, and they’re few and
far between--yet the music choices and delivery are enough to sustain the entire package.
The first two tracks set the tone for the rest of the set, playful renditions of “Don’t Be That Way” and
“Makin’ Whoopie” tailor-made for the Ella and Louis treatment. The highlight is a
wistful “Autumn In New York” with a lovely vocal by Ella and a trumpet solo by Louis--although by
this time Louis was playing solos the matched people's expectations of what Louis sounded like,
rather than bringing anything new to the table. The only misfire is “Let’s Do It,” which drags on much
too long.
The second disc is slightly better than the first, due to the melancholy ballads “Willow Weep For
Me”
(all Armstrong) and “Ill Wind” (all Ella) and a duet on “Our Love is Here to Stay,” where Armstrong’s
trumpet solo pokes through Ella’s graceful phrasing. The Oscar Peterson trio (joined by the fiery
Louis Bellson) provides understated backing throughout, Peterson keeping his feistiness in check
while Ellis delivers punchy chords, playing the best rhythm guitar of his career. Although calling this
a jazz album is a bit of a stretch, anyone who is a fan of either of these two artists (or jazz singing for
that matter) will definitely want to check this one out.
See the Combing the Verve Catalog column
for related reviews.
Visit Verve on the web.
~ David Rickert
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Track Listing: Disc One: 1. Don’t Be That Way 2. Makin’ Whoopie 3. They All Laughed 4. Comes Love 5. Autumn
In New York 6. Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) 7. Stompin’ At The Savoy 8. I Won’t Dance 9. Gee,
Baby, Ain’t I Good To You? Disc Two; 1. Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off 2. These Foolish Things 3.
I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm 4. Willow Weep For Me 5. I’m Puttin’ All My Eggs In One Basket
6. A Fine Romance 7. Ill Wind 8. Love Is Here To Stay 9. I Get A kick Out of You 10. Learnin’ The
Blues.
Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald-vocals; Louis Armstrong-vocals, trumpet; Oscar Peterson-piano; Herb Ellis-guitar;
Ray Brown-bass; Louis Bellson-drums.
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