Search - Ella Fitzgerald :: Best of the Songbooks: Collection

Ella's star still twinkles and shines as she sings these cla

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ella Fitzgerald's Best Of The Songbooks is an excellent three CD set that really highlights the very best of the songbooks Ella sang by Cole Porter, The Gershwins, Harold Arlen and many others. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done. This is a must have for Ella Fitzgerald fans who don't want to have the expense of buying all her songbooks which can be quite pricey.



The first CD starts with "Something's Gotta Give:" this tune shins bright as Ella swings so well to make this tune sparkle! The big band arrangement makes this number even stronger; and Ella also does a great job on "Bewitched, Bothered, & Bewildered" with an elegant piano arrangement. Ella's voice is as clear as a bell and she aces this easily--god for her! The First Lady Of Song proves that she wasn't ever a slacker. "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" also has a big band arrangement that I really like; and there's Ella swinging brightly on "The Lady Is A Tramp." "The Lady Is A Tramp" is a major highlight of the first CD and I'm sure you'll like it very much. "They Can't Take That Away From Me" features Ella Fitzgerald squarely front and center as she delivers this without a superfluous note; and "Hooray For Love" never sounded better than when Ella Fitzgerald sang it!



The second CD continues the great hits. "Laura" gets a sublime interpretation from Ella Fitzgerald; and the lush musical arrangement really impresses me quite a bit. "Laura" is nothing short of a stunning ballad that never fails to move me. "It Was Written In The Stars" has great brass while Ella sings; and "How Long Has This Been Going On?" sounds fresh and new when I hear Ella sing this classic love song even if the lyrics aren't the happiest I've ever heard. "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" has an elegant piano arrangement to accompany Ella who aces this like the pro she always was and still remains! There's also "Ill Wind (You're Blowing Me No Good);" Ella performs this with panache and I love every note of it! "Trav'lin' Light" is a number I first heard when Billie Holiday sang it; and when Ella Fitzgerald sings it still sounds new and exciting to me.



The third CD has plenty to make us happy, too. "From This Moment On" has a strong upbeat melody that is very catchy and Ella sings this flawlessly with great feeling; and there's also "All The Things You Are" with its great use of the brass as Ella Fitzgerald sings this to perfection--and beyond! "I'm Beginning To See The Light" shines like a new masterpiece when Ella performs it so very well; and "I Remember You" has a sensitive yet energetic treatment from Ella. Similarly, "Just One Of Those Things" sparkles brightly when Ella Fitzgerald delivers this ballad without a flaw.



In short, Best Of The Songbooks by Ella Fitzgerald is packed full of incredibly timeless number by so many composers and lyricists that I am baffled as to why this is currently out of print--I hope that changes soon! I highly recommend this for fans of both the great Ella Fitzgerald and classic pop vocals.

"

Absolutely essential

Ben Hsu | 08/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ella's voice is legendary, and that legend is well deserved. The songs are all classics, and the instrumentals backing them up is superb. What else is there? This box set is flawless."