Ella Fitzgerald – The Incomparable Ella

Ella Fitzgerald – The Incomparable Ella

The Incomparable Ella is a superb 16-track collection showcasing Ella Fitzgerald's extraordinary ability to bring elegance, swing and effortless phrasing to some of the greatest songs in the American popular songbook. Originally issued in the UK by Polydor as POL TV9 in 1980, the compilation brings together recordings from several different sessions and orchestral settings, creating a wide-ranging portrait of one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

The collection opens with "The Lady Is A Tramp", followed by "Manhattan", "The Very Thought Of You", "From This Moment On" and "A Foggy Day (In London Town)". Fitzgerald moves effortlessly between sophisticated swing, romantic balladry and lively interpretations of Broadway and Hollywood standards. Her extraordinary control of timing and phrasing is particularly evident throughout, allowing even the most familiar melodies to sound fresh and spontaneous.

The first side continues with "With A Song In My Heart", "Cheek To Cheek" and "I've Got A Crush On You", songs that demonstrate why Fitzgerald became so closely associated with the Great American Songbook. "Cheek To Cheek" and "I've Got A Crush On You" are particularly well suited to her combination of warmth, precision and understated swing.

The second side opens with "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Night And Day", before moving through "Every Time We Say Goodbye", "It's Only A Paper Moon", "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and "I Got Rhythm". The repertoire covers Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and other major American songwriters, giving the compilation considerable appeal for anyone interested in classic vocal jazz and traditional pop.

The album closes with two enduring standards, "My Funny Valentine" and "That Old Black Magic". Across the complete programme, Fitzgerald is backed by four different orchestral settings, including the orchestras of Billy May, Nelson Riddle, Paul Weston and Buddy Bregman. The result is a collection that combines big-band swing, lush orchestral arrangements and intimate vocal performances while keeping Fitzgerald's remarkable voice firmly at the centre.

For collectors of Ella Fitzgerald, classic jazz, vocal jazz and vintage Polydor vinyl, The Incomparable Ella is an excellent introduction to her recordings and a highly accessible Great American Songbook collection. With "The Lady Is A Tramp", "Manhattan", "Cheek To Cheek", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Night And Day" and "My Funny Valentine" among its highlights, this is a strong choice for fans of Ella Fitzgerald and classic jazz LPs.

Tracklist

Side A

1. The Lady Is A Tramp
2. Manhattan
3. The Very Thought Of You
4. From This Moment On
5. A Foggy Day (In London Town)
6. With A Song In My Heart
7. Cheek To Cheek
8. I've Got A Crush On You

Side B

1. I've Got You Under My Skin
2. Night And Day
3. Every Time We Say Goodbye
4. It's Only A Paper Moon
5. I Get A Kick Out Of You
6. I Got Rhythm
7. My Funny Valentine
8. That Old Black Magic