Fitzgerald - Riddle – Ella Swings Brightly With Nelson

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Swings Brightly With Nelson Riddle

Ella Swings Brightly With Nelson Riddle is a superb showcase for the extraordinary vocal talent of Ella Fitzgerald, paired with the sophisticated big-band arrangements of legendary conductor and arranger Nelson Riddle. Originally released in 1962, the album finds Fitzgerald tackling a selection of classic standards with effortless swing, impeccable timing and her trademark vocal versatility.

From the opening When Your Lover Has Gone and the energetic Don't Be That Way through to Love Me Or Leave Me and I Hear Music, Fitzgerald moves effortlessly between intimate ballads and upbeat swing numbers. Her ability to interpret the Great American Songbook with both precision and personality is central to the album's enduring appeal.

Nelson Riddle's arrangements provide the perfect musical setting. Known for his work with artists including Frank Sinatra, Riddle brought a refined orchestral approach to popular music, combining lush strings, punchy brass and tightly arranged rhythm sections. On tracks such as I Won't Dance, I Only Have Eyes For You and Pick Yourself Up, his arrangements allow Fitzgerald's remarkable phrasing and improvisational instincts to remain firmly at the centre.

The album also features memorable interpretations of The Gentleman Is A Dope, Mean To Me and Alone Together, making Ella Swings Brightly With Nelson Riddle an essential addition to any collection of classic vocal jazz. For fans of Ella Fitzgerald, Nelson Riddle, big band jazz, swing and the Great American Songbook, this is a timeless example of two masters working together at the height of their powers.

Tracklist

Side A

1. When Your Lover Has Gone – 3:00
2. Don't Be That Way – 3:45
3. Love Me Or Leave Me – 2:49
4. I Hear Music – 2:19
5. What Am I Here For? – 2:42
6. I'm Gonna Go Fishin' – 2:57

Side B

1. I Won't Dance – 3:27
2. I Only Have Eyes For You – 2:37
3. The Gentleman Is A Dope – 3:56
4. Mean To Me – 2:54
5. Alone Together – 2:45
6. Pick Yourself Up – 2:06