OK, I only listened to one album today. But it was a three album set of Ella Fitzgerald singing the Gershwin songbook. I started listening this morning on my iPod as I jogged the streets of West Hollywood. I felt like I was in a musical. I refrained from singing "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off," though it was difficult. I finished moments ago in my sweltering apartment, and I swear I can smell the smoke from the fire that's still burning on the other side of the mountain. Ella performs here with Nelson Riddle and his orchestra for the first time on 59 songs written by George and Ira Gershwin. These performances are easily among her best. She even won a Grammy® for Best Vocal Performance, Female for "But Not For Me" in 1960.
I don't really expect many people to run out and download a 3 album set on my recommendation. But, if you're slightly interested in one of the greatest female jazz vocalists ever, I would highly encourage you to at least try the slimmed down, 17-track version Oh Lady, Be Good! The Best of the Gershwin Songbook. There are some really amazing tracks on there.
FAVORITE TRACKS: "'S Wonderful," "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off," "But Not For Me," "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "I Got Rhythm."
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