Ella Fitzgerald – Misty Blue

Ella Fitzgerald – Misty Blue

“Ella Fitzgerald” – Misty Blue is a fascinating late-1960s album that finds one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time exploring country, pop and contemporary song material. Originally released by Capitol Records in 1968, the album was recorded in Los Angeles between 20–22 December 1967, placing it firmly within Ella’s adventurous late-1960s period.

Rather than concentrating on the jazz standards that had made Ella famous, Misty Blue sees her interpreting songs associated with country, soul and contemporary pop. The title track, written by Bob Montgomery, had already become a country hit before Ella recorded her version, while “It’s Only Love”, “Don’t Touch Me” and “Born To Lose” showcase her remarkable ability to transform emotionally direct material through her distinctive phrasing and vocal control.

There is also plenty of character throughout the album, from the playful “Don’t Let The Doorknob Hit You” and “Evil On Your Mind” to the more dramatic “The Chokin’ Kind”, “This Gun Don’t Care” and “Don’t Touch Me”. The result is a particularly interesting example of Ella adapting to the changing musical landscape of the 1960s, while still sounding unmistakably like Ella Fitzgerald.

For collectors and listeners looking beyond Ella’s classic Verve-era jazz recordings, Misty Blue offers a different side of her artistry. Originally released in 1968, with the sessions recorded in December 1967, it is a strong choice for fans of Ella Fitzgerald, vocal jazz, country-pop, traditional pop and sophisticated 1960s vocal music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Misty Blue – 2:26
2. Walking In The Sunshine – 2:26
3. It's Only Love – 3:00
4. Evil On Your Mind – 2:15
5. I Taught Him Everything He Knows – 2:42
6. Don't Let The Doorknob Hit You – 2:24

Side B

1. Turn The World Around (The Other Way) – 2:41
2. The Chokin' Kind – 1:59
3. Born To Lose – 3:13
4. This Gun Don't Care – 2:44
5. Don't Touch Me – 2:52