Miss Teddi King (Jpn Lp Sleeve) (Remaste
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Audio CD (23 June, 1999)
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Reviews (1)

Teddi at her very best
This album along with "Now in Vogue" released around the same time on the Storyville label showcase the wonderful Teddi King with a tastefully eclectic mix of songs sure to become in gem in any jazz lover's collection. Teddi was sadly overlooked during her career, and never acheived the status or recognition she deserved. Her voice is sweet and achingly tender. Never a belter, she was at her very best with small jazz combos and subtle, understated arrangements. Several standouts on this disc are "The Talk of the Town", "What's New?" and "Love is a now and then thing". This album was out of print for many, many years before showing up as a Japanese import, so it's fabulous to see it again. If you want the perfect disc to spin for a romantic evening, this is it. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JXF3
Sales Rank: 300192

The Complete Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 August, 1993)
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Editorial Review

A 43-year-old Ella rolls through her typical routine in feistyfashion on this 1960 recording, which documents the opening show of herEuropean tour. There's the Satchmo impersonation (a joyous "Mackthe Knife"), the lengthy scat showcase ("How High theMoon," on which she quotes Charlie Parker's"Ornithology"), and a bevy of Gershwin and Porter tunes.Supported by pianist Paul Smith's quartet (with the elegant Jim Hall onguitar), Ella's voice sounds earthier than usual and her phrasing is asappealing as ever. She's sublimely tender on "Misty" andwonderfully sultry on "Too Darn Hot." The CD reissue includestwo unreleased tracks from the Berlin concert plus two 1956 gems(including a stylish "Love for Sale") that were mistakenlypressed on this release. Upon its initial release, the album picked uptwo Grammies and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Pop chart; itsacclaim was well deserved. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

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Reviews (27)

Most amazing Mack The Knife version ever
This is a must-have Ella record. All of it is very good, but the version of "Mack The Knife" is staggering. Ella is performing this new tune live in Berlin, the home town of authors Kurt Weill and Bertholt Brecht while Bobby Darin and Louis Armstrong were charting wtih very popular versions of their own. It's a true testament to her talent as an entertainer that she won the Grammy (not Bobby or Louis) for a version WHERE SHE FORGOT MOST OF THE WORDS and improvised brilliantly! Truly one of the most remarkable vocal performances ever to win a Grammy.

The most sublime Ella....
I have been an Ella Fitzgerald fan for about 40 years. The album "Mack the Knife", for me, is THE most sublime Ella recording there is, in terms of the amount of fun she had obviously had doing this performance. There are others, of course, such as The Birthday Album, wherein her voice was absolutely marvelous, but, again, for me, it will always be "Mack the Knife - Ella in Berlin." Thanks for the opportunity to submit this review.

Well done live jazz album
Ella is one of the greatest jazz female vocalists, and her live performance with an excellent jazz rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, guitar), is the reason you should buy this album, especially if you like jazz music. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046QI

Music of Manhattan, 1951
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 February, 2000)
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Reviews (3)

Lee Wiley's the bomb!
I'm 16 years old and I love Lee Wiley, she is one of my favorite singers(Billie Holiday being another) and I think she sings what she feels, her backup orchestras seem to be the finest in the jazz genere, buy this CD and you'll hear why Lee Wiley is the bomb.

Everything this Godess Of all jazz sigers recorded was great
These sessions come from every which way, live nightclubs, radio broadcasts. Every song Lee Wiley ever recorded is worth owning, so I would have to recommend this...

Something for late at night.
First heard Lee on the LA Confidential Soundtrack but struggled to get anything by her here in Scotland - lucky I've got the Internet. CD is a bit of a mixed bag - some tracks have not transferred well to CD. But the "live" tracks take you right back to 1951 - smokey night clubs and Martinis! Next order for me - Ramblin' Rose. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFAN
Sales Rank: 214906

Romantic Ellington
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Audio CD (19 October, 1999)
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Reviews (3)

a master sings a master
Ella, Carmen, Sarah, Billie are all gone. But a jazz singer who is their equal is still among us and still working, recording and sounding better than ever. Carol Sloane brings her knowing way with a melody and, especially, a lyric, to this collection of songs by the national treasure, Duke Ellington. If you care at all about the state of the art of jazz singing, you must have this CD.

Sloane sings Ellington elegantly...
Carol Sloane since the early 60's has been preserving classic jazz and American pop standards, and has ever since been recording session after session of wonderful material. However this recent trubute to Ellington(for his Centennial) falls short of being a classic, due to Mike renzi's piano playing and arrangements. Renzi's style is a little too risk taking and a little too funky for the classy singer, who would have been better off without Renzi's unique jazz style. Other then that this is an effective Ellington tribute, however I would herecommend Tony Bennett's recent "Sings Ellington Hot & Cold" before recommendeing this CD. For some good classsic and recent carol Slone here are a few recomendations. Old Carol(old meaning young) "Out Of The Blue" her 1st session in the early 60's is excellent, though sounding a little like Ella Fitzgerald(So, what's wrong with that?) and a female eqivalint to Mel Torme. For New Carol sloane(new meaning old) the absolutly essenytial "The Songs That Ella & Louis Sang"(with Clark Terry, filling the Louis role), "Songs That Carmen Sang", and "Songs Sinatra Sang" you can't really go wrong with any of her Concord releases.

An accomplished and beautifully sung tribute
This album could very well be the crowning jewel in Carol Sloane's career to date. Her personal interpretations and meticulous choice of songs reflect both her love and respect for Ellington while showcasing her rich, full and sensuous voice which seems to improve with age and maturity. From the melancholy string opening of "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing" to the poignant prayer of the final track, "Come Sunday", Ms. Sloane shows not only her confidence but the smooth control and perfect pitch we have come to expect from her -- and she delivers, with class and without pretention, by getting to the heart of every song. Her delivery is warm and intimate, particularly when accompanied by a solo piano, as in "All Too Soon", a gorgeous track which is particularly suited to her voice. This is a classy effort with many rewards for the lucky listener! ... Read more

Asin: B00001T3JY
Sales Rank: 175898

Sibling Revelry
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 February, 1996)
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Editorial Review

This entertaining live show from New York's Rainbow & Stars club in 1995 joins singing sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway. The former is a suave jazz singer with a darker tone and sensational versatility; the latter is a clear-as-a-bell soprano best known for her late-'90s stint as Broadway's Grizabella in Cats. The album is sort of a musical autobiography, as the sisters sing together as well as trace their separate artistic developments through their choices of solo numbers. Ann demonstrates her cabaret repertoire with Nancy Ford and Gretchen Cryer's heartbreaker "Old Friend," while Liz displays her Broadway background with Stephen Schwartz's glorious "Meadowlark" and Frank Loesser's tender "My Heart Is So Full of You." The two also playfully spar with snappy patter and humorous duets, the most notable being "The Huge Medley," which strings together bits from over a dozen female duets, and the theme song from TV's The Nanny, which Ann wrote and the sisters recorded for the opening credits. A terrific recording.--David Horiuchi ... Read more

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Reviews (12)

This CD is a must have for fans of Broadway or Cabaret
Unfortunately, these sisters are not widely known outside of NYC, where Ann is hugely famous (16 MAC Awards) on the cabaret circuit and as songwriter, and Liz is currently starring in her 5th broadway show.

This CD is a masterful blend of these two distinct voices, that clearly revel in singing together. From Ann's performance of "My Buddy", to Liz's mournful "Meadowlark" (almost certainly the best recorded version of this song) I was enthralled by the range and emotion exhibited. If you get the opportunity to see either of these performer's in person, do not miss it!

Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves...
Ann Hampton and Liz Callaway have been well-known by Broadway and Cabaret afficionados for years. This CD, recorded live at the Rainbow & Stars in 1995 is a wonderful showcase for older sister Ann's deep jazz-tinged crooning and younger sister Liz's clear-bell Broadway soprano. Together or apart, their singing is definitely top notch.

Highlights are "The Huge Medley Parts 1 & 2" where the sisters go through a medley of every song that was recommended them by friends and colleagues who knew they were doing a show together. It's hilarious!

Also, their "jealousy-tinged" version of "Friendship" is good for several laughs at the expense of sibling-rivalry and "The Nanny Named Fran" is also an example of how even a sitcom theme can sound classy if approached with creativity and elan.

However, the CD has a few clunkers and they mostly occur when the sisters sing solo. While Ann Hampton does wonders with a medley of "My Buddy" and "Old Friend", she loses my interest with "Rhythm in My Nursery Rhymes". It's less about her scat singing (which is quite good), and more about the dullness of the song itself. Little sis Liz fares no better with the tepid Frank Loesser tune "My Heart is So Full of You", although she does ignite some sparks with her take on Stephen Schwartz's "Meadowlark".

Suprisingly, what would seem to be the most suitable duet on the album, Stephen Sondheim's "Our Time" (from the wonderfully difficult show MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG) sounds tired and lackluster. But the sisters soon rebound with a brilliant English version (a capella no less!) of Michel Legrand's "You Must Believe In Spring", from Jacques Demy's wonderful film LES DESMOISELLES DE ROCHEFORT.

Overall, a great CD, that despite a few low points, is still pretty fun to listen to and an important addition to any musical theatre fan's collection.

Never Such Devoted Sisters
I listened to Liz Callaway's album The Story Goes On, also on here, in a store and wondered where I had heard her voice. I remembered hearing her as the singing voice of Anastacia in the animated musical and liked her voice then. I fell in love with her voice and purchased that cd. I checked on Amazon for other recordings and saw this one so I ordered it. I loved it. The best song by Ann Hampton Callaway is My Buddy, My Old Friend. It is sure to make you cry and I play it over and over. I already had Liz Callaway's album and one of her songs is on this album as well as The Story Goes On, "Meadowlark" which she does with such a clear voice and this is a great arrangement of the song. I am partial to Ann's voice although they blend well together and as I stated earlier, "My Buddy... is a 3 hankee weeper song with a gorgeous piano and vocal arrangement. The duets including "The Nanny" and "Friendship" are fun to listen to. I was a big fan of The Nanny show so I enjoyed hearing that again and remember Friendship mostly from I Love Lucy episode. I enjoy the banter between the two sisters with cracks on age and who has won the most awards and The Big Medley is fun and has great vocals as well. It has many familiar songs from Broadway and elsewhere including Enough is Enough( Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer, Sisters from White Christmas, Happy Days are Here Again/Get Happy that Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland sang. I don't know what else to say to sell you on this album. This album and Liz Callaway's solo are probably two of the best cds I ever owned and I own hundreds so that is saying a lot. I am sure you won't be disappointed in this cd! ... Read more

Asin: B000000PKN

Sings The Stephen Sondheim Songbook
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 January, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Grande dame of cabaret Julie Wilson finds an ideal foil in the music of Stephen Sondheim, whose brilliant musicals have included some outstanding songs for older women: "I Never Do Anything Twice," "Send in the Clowns," "The Ladies Who Lunch," and almost all of Follies (notably absent is "Liaisons"). Yet Wilson can also do justice to the ode to young love, "Love I Hear," from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Throughout, pianist William Roy provides excellent support, including occasional vocal contributions. It's an excellent start to a series of composer songbooks Wilson has recorded for DRG. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Julie Wilson is a living legend
Ms. Wilson epitomizes half a century of American cabaret to a degree that is unmatched by no other. Her rendition of Sondheim's songs not only gives tribute to a great American songwriter that comes almost two generations after her, but it also showcases the originality and personality of the performer. This album is certainly not for those who are looking for run-of-the mill renditions of Sondheim. Ms. Wilson's individuality comes through powerfully in this album, matched only by Sondheim's lyrics. A great album!

Dreck!
This is probably the worst butchering of Sondheim's music I have ever come across. A waste of money, even for a Sondheim collector. ... Read more

Asin: B000008MDF

Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 March, 1997)
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Editorial Review

This live concert from 1997, a benefit for the Gay Men's Health Crisis, was Bernadette Peters's Carnegie Hall debut, and it's a joy. Peters has always had a special affinity for the music of Stephen Sondheim, and she spotlights some of his best songs, only a few of them from the shows she's best known for, Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. The program is part career retrospective--including non-Sondheim selections from Mack and Mabel and Dames at Sea--and part wish list, which provides a forum for Peters's pouty humor ("In this movie [Dick Tracy], this song was sung by a blonde bombshell... not me. Although we both have religious names."). She's backed by a full orchestra conducted by Marvin Laird, who also directed Peters's similar program a year later at London's Royal Festival Hall (captured on VHS and DVD). The very appreciative and knowing audience (there's applause at the first words of Dames' "Raining in My Heart") includes Stephen Sondheim himself. No doubt he was very proud. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (27)

Live. Lively. Living. Being Alive. Truly Bernadette.
Whether you're buying to support the fabulous GMHC or because you're a Sondheim fan or because you simply love Bernadette, you won't be sorry. Bernadette is in true form here cavorting with the audience, letting that infectious little laugh be heard more than once, and delivering her best. It's live; it's one on one; it's worth it. From her explosive "Broadway Baby" to her hair-raising "Being Alive," the sexy redhead sings her heart out. She can do so because she obviously loves what she's doing, and she obviously loves this material. Peters and Sondheim go together like "hand in glove." She handles his work beautifully and honestly (note especially "Sooner or Later" and "Johanna"). The audience is very much a part of the show. They are not overly loud or distracting as can be the case on other live albums. Bernadette loves her audience, and they return that love full-force. Their presence is just right here. This is a wonderful CD that is energetic almost 100% through, and a portion of the proceeds goes to a fabulous cause. Give it a try; you won't regret it.

Sondheim and Bernadette Peters - what could be better?
Bernadette Peters is probably the best (and most famous) actress on Broadway today. She deserves every ounce of her reputation.

This CD is a fantastic recording of her sold-out concert. The songs are interspersed with amusing stories -- Bernadette Peters is the consummate performer. With her classic breathy-yet-full tonal quality, she gives new life to these songs. From her coy rendering of "Broadway Baby" to the Ethel-Merman-worthy version of "Some People" to the somewhat bawdy "Making Love Alone" (not listed in the track listing for some reason), Bernadette Peters is in top form. It's really a treat to listen to her.

All of the songs on this CD are enjoyable. But, it is when one of Broadway's best singers takes on Broadway's best composer that the CD becomes really stunning. She performs some of Sondheim's best songs, from "Sweeney Todd," "Into the Woods," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Company" and even the movie "Dick Tracy." The highlight for me has to be her performance of one of my favorite Sondheim songs: Being Alive.

This CD is excellent from opening to closing rounds of applause.

"Making Love Alone" - GONE
I bought this for one song that was track 4. It has been removed. Needless to say, it is a disappointment. ... Read more

Asin: B00000GC22

Bridges
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 May, 1999)
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Editorial Review

After a spotty series of attempts at merging jazz with pop, Dianne Reeves creates a beautifully organic synthesis between the two on Bridges, which has all the makings (panache, innovation, accessibility) of a commercial breakthrough. Reeves thrives during a quintet of folk-jazz narratives midway through the disk, from a vivid take on Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" (set off by Kenny Garrett's human-cry soprano sax) to a wordless "Olokun" by pianist-arranger Billy Childs. In between are the delicately unfolding ballad "Goodbye" (an gorgeous, instant pop classic), a shimmering remake of Milton Nascimento's "Bridges" (anchored by a Nascimento-like acoustic guitar), and perhaps the best version of Joni Mitchell's "River" ever made. The fluid interplay and petulant sentiment of the back-porch blues tune "Mista" later provides a delicious change of pace. A blocky take on Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" and Reeves's sappy lyrics on "Testify" (marring a spare and spunky African-gospel rhythmic groove) prove that Bridges isn't perfect. But with sidemen like Garrett, pianist Mulgrew Miller, and bassist Reginald Veal on board for quality control, these lapses amount to minor quibbles about a sterling outing. --Britt Robson ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Dianne "Dukes" It Out
This review comes from the perspective of some one who knows producer George Duke better than singer Dianne Reeves, and this album has the sound and feel of a Duke production. It is sweet and melodic, definitely jazz, but with a respectful nod to other sensibilities, including pop, folk and R&B. Songwriting credits include Peter Gabriel (on "In Your Eyes", the album's best song), Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Milton Nascimento, Billy Childs and (drum roll, please) Dianne Reeves. In addition, Patsy Moore authored two love songs ("I Remember" and "Goodbye") that are among the most beautiful on the album. The instrumental backup is typically led by piano, with drums, bass and guitar. Although the piano work is shared four ways, by George Duke, Billy Childs, Mulgrew Miller and Eddie del Barrio, their playing seems to have a common feel, with alternately tinkling and pounding piano arrangements that appear on many tracks, and that strike me as similar to other recordings of Duke and Childs.

Aside from the three songs already mentioned, my other favorites are the two written by Dianne, "Testify" and "Mista", both in an R&B mode. On "Testify", Dianne's talking and singing voices swirl around each other, strangely giving the faith-filled words double the impact they otherwise would have. There are three tracks I do not especially enjoy. Two of them are fine songs, "1863" and "Make Someone Happy", and I can't account for my neutrality to them with anything more profound than personal taste. The third song - the only failure on the album - is "River", the Joni Mitchell song about Christmas in southern California, wishing she "had a river to skate away on". The arrangement is ponderously slow and unimaginative - unlike, for example, the experimental, partly successful Billy Childs rearrangement of "Suzanne". Dianne does not have an exceptionally beautiful voice, and she does not stretch it with vocal acrobatics, yet it was hearing her on the radio that led me to buy this CD. Rather, she is every inch a professional, with tenderness and conviction in every word.

unusually gifted, the finest jazz singer recording now
i find myself gushing about dianne reeves' music. her recordings are never a disappointment, and her live shows, as another amazon reviewer attested, are exhilirating and beautiful. dianne reeves is unusually gifted, and unusually generous, not only with her instrument, but with her emotions. in short, _bridges_ is a thing of beauty. i strongly disagree that "in your eyes" is a poor, "blocky" remake. frankly, i can't quite figure out what that criticism is supposed to mean. in any case, the first half of the cd has gotten me through many tough days. the cd bears repeated listenings for every little nuance of her voice and her extra-talented sextets. "testify" and "1863" aren't at the same olympian level as the rest of the album, but are still very listenable.

It's jazzy enough for me.
Dianne Reeves is, with little argument, one of the great jazz singers of our time. She often strays from pure jazz into more popular songs, much to the dismay of jazz critics. But, when she produces music like the performances on "Bridges", who cares. It's jazzy enough for me. With her voice and the musicians she employs, she could put the telephone directory to music and make it sound wonderful. If you like Dianne Reeves, this cd will not disappoint. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IP34

Am I Blue?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 November, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Ethel Waters is arguably the first woman jazz singer, with a gift for musical phrasing that immediately distinguished her from both the classic blues singers and the prevailing standards for popular singers. This CD surveys her recordings from 1925 to 1939, placing emphasis on jazz elements. Throughout, she's accompanied by an extraordinary collection of jazz musicians, and rare are the popular vocal records of the period where singers and jazz bands coexist so comfortably. Cornetist Joe Smith and clarinetist Don Redman are present on 1925's "Sweet Georgia Brown," and several musicians who appear as young sidemen on recordings from 1929 to '31--such as Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman--would become the leaders of celebrated swing bands a few years later. There's a superb rendition of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" with Duke Ellington's great 1932 band, but Waters is just as dynamic on "Stormy Weather" and "Heat Wave." Waters possessed an exceptional talent for delivering lyrics, giving almost speechlike dimension to songs like "True Blue Lou" and tremendous drama to the mournful "Trav'lin' All Alone." The CD is a good introduction to a fascinating singer and an interesting chapter in the evolution of popular music. --Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A nice introduction to the work of the legendary Miss Waters
Ethel Waters was the first true jazz singer, and arguably the most influential vocalist in the history of popular American music. Her only real rival for this latter title is Louis Armstrong, and it can be argued that while Armstrong was the greater musician, Waters melding of black and white singing styles was actually the more influential contribution to American jazz and popular singing. The advent of CD's has brought a very welcome re-release of some hitherto very hard to find Waters material. There are now several compilation CD's of Waters classic jazz/blues/popular music cuts available. Of these, "Am I Blue?" may be the best single compilation of the Waters oeuvre. The only real rival is the "Ethel Waters: 1925-1940" disc, and this disc presents a greater or at least more representative variety than that disc, though both are worth owning. The sides on this disc were recorded between 1925 and 1939. I am not sure how they were chosen, but they represent a nice cross-section of Waters up-tempo numbers and ballads, her hits and more obscure songs and her work with a number of different bands, including those of the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington, as well as a couple of choice cuts with her long-time pianist Pearl Wright. The sound quality is good, and the hits are certainly present in abundance. Those unfamiliar with Waters' singing career may be surprised to learn that she introduced (and recorded what are still the finest versions of) "Dinah", "Sweet Georgia Brown", "Am I Blue?", "Stormy Weather", "Miss Otis Regrets", "Moonglow", "Don't Blame Me", "A Hundred Years From Today" and "Heatwave". Although all of these are marvelous, the incredible sophistication of "Miss Otis Regrets" (Waters must be the only singer who can capture the Cole Porter wit of this song and still make it sound affecting), the incredible emotion (compressed and never overstated) in "Stormy Weather" and the inventive little touches she adds to "swing" "Heatwave" are the highlights of these classics. There are also the delightful surprises - Waters' inimitable characterization of men talking about "True Blue Lou", her playful "You Can't Stop Me From Loving You", the moving "Trav'lin All Alone", the take command, bawdy "Long, Lean, Lanky Mama", the comedy of "Birmingham Bertha", and the touching confidence of "At the End of the Road". In all of the songs on this CD, it pays to listen carefully and hear how Waters plays with both the melody and rhythm of the song to sing a song "her way". When she started doing this in 1917, and on her first recordings in 1921, she was the only singer doing so, and in doing so, she changed the course of popular music in America. There are shortcomings to any single disc, of course. Among the many standards Waters introduced that are not included on this CD: "St. Louis Blues", "Taking A Chance On Love", "Happiness is a Thing Called Joe", "Cabin in the Sky", "There'll Be Some Changes Made", "Memories of You", "Sugar", "Hottentot Potentate", "Harlem on My Mind", and "Supper Time". Also missing are certain classic renditions of songs she didn't introduce, in particular her killer version of "I Got Rhythm" from 1934, a virtuoso example of early jazz singing, and some of her great blues sides, like "West End Blues". And like most compilation discs, this disc ignores all of her recordings done after 1940. There are still no CD's of her classic live performances in the 1950's (captured on the Monmouth-Evergreen album, "Miss Ethel Waters"), of her 40's, 50's and 60's recordings for small labels, of her television performances from the 50's, or of her three recordings of spirituals and hymns for Word records in the 50's, 60's and 70's. By the 50's, age had taken a great toll on her voice, but she nonetheless managed to find the heart of any song she sang and still make it very much hers. What is needed more than anything is a comprehensive box set (at least 4 CD's) that spans her entire glorious career. Until we get such a set, there are at least single disc compilations such as this one to serve as an introduction and the Classics series, which covers all her sides from 1921-1940, for which to be grateful.

She was a WOW!!!
Everyone should experience the voice and style that belonged to Ethel Waters. Most people remember her in movies but not everyone realizes she was a successful songstress before that. To hear her sing Dinah or Sweet Georgia Brown will send shivers of pleasure through your body. Her sense of timing and her style of blues were unique. Listen and enjoy to one of the great treasures that was Ethel Waters.

Hip-swingin', light-flashin', get-down-to kind of song!
This song has a great beat you just want to dance to. I would love to sing with this song if I could just figure out what she was singing. So instead, I just get down and party hardy! I strongly suggest playing this song at a dance or group party at high volume and a strobe light or other party style fixtures. ... Read more

Asin: B00002JXDP

Clap Hands Here Comes Charlie
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 June, 1989)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $14.98
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Editorial Review

This early '60s studio session captures Ella Fitzgerald moving towardthe smaller, more pointedly jazz-inflected ensembles that would shape her careerin her final decades.After the lush orchestrations of her classic series ofcomposer songbooks, which found her collaborating with the best arrangers, theintimate scale and easy interplay of a crack band provide a wonderful platformfor the spirited performances here. That Ella herself savored the opportunity isreflected in a program that includes Thelonious Monk's "AfterMidnight" and a breezy, potent ride through the Charlie Parker/DizzyGillespie anthem, "Night In Tunisia." With a mix of bona fidestandards and revived swing classics, this is a rediscovered gem, cause enoughto clap hands. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (11)

My first jazz album
I bought this on vinyl in 1968 and always loved it, but it went missing and I had forgotten even the name of the album, but then a little before the Internet came along I called Public Radio Music Source one night and asked if they had an Ella CD with Cry Me A River on it, and sure enough ...

It is just a lovely album with crystal clear recording of Ella at her best with a small group. I think my favorite songs from this are Cry Me A River and Night in Tunisia, but really they are all good. This one is a keeper.

This is Ella at her best
One of the few albums from her Verve years to feature Ella with a jazz trio instead of a studio band, this 1961 treasure has always ranked at the top in my listing of the best recordings by the First Lady of Song. Her voice was at its peak, and she seemed to enjoy the interaction with Lou Levy on piano, Gus Johnson on drums and Herb Ellis on guitar. The selection of songs is excellent. Her version of "Stella By Starlight" is an absolute knockout!

50,000 stars
This is one of Ella's very best (if no THE best) albums. Heck, it's one of the best vocal jazz albums *period.* It's just Ella and a small group, but it will blow you away. I recommend it to everyone, and it makes a great first choice for those just now looking into the First Lady of Song. Every track is choice, but "Night In Tunisa," "'Round Midnight," "Jersey Bounce," and "Music Goes Round and Around" stand out. The best song is "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most." It's the best rendition of that song by anyone anywhere. :-D ... Read more

Asin: B00000477N