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| In addition to the classic hit Mr. Paganini, this swingin’ L.A. live date boasts an astounding version of Take The "A" Train, plus Blue Moon and more. |
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| 1 This Could Be the Start of Something of Big |
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| 2 I've Got the World on a String |
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| 3 You're Driving Me Crazy |
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| 4 Just in Time |
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| 5 It Might as Well Be Spring |
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| 6 Take the "A" Train |
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| 7 Stairway to the Stars |
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| 8 You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini) |
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| 9 Satin Doll |
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| 10 Blue Moon |
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| 11 Baby, Won't You Please Come Home |
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| 12 Air Mail Special |
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Album Review
An appearance in Hollywood for a first-rate jazz vocalist was not necessarily an opportunity to broadcast the singer's visage and pander to everyone from Tacoma to Tallahassee. It could also include a date at the Crescendo. The Sunset Strip's best chance to find premier jazz, Gene Norman's nightclub hosted dozens of jazz legends (and a comic or two), and produced more than its share of excellent LPs recorded on location. Better even than Mel Tormé's 1954 classic, the Ella Fitzgerald LP that resulted from her May 1961 appearances generated one of the best (and certainly most underrated) live records in her discography. All of her hallmarks -- technical wizardry, breakneck scatting, irrepressible humor and warmth -- are on full display, with a small but expressive quartet backing her performance (including pianist Lou Levy, guitarist Herb Ellis, drummer Gus Johnson, and bassist Wilfred Middlebrooks). Although it's full of brilliance, the highlights are clear: a nine-minute scat masterpiece of "Take The 'A' Train," with chorus after chorus of variations, and the shorter but still excellent "Mr. Paganini." (The latter is one of the nods to her early career, along with a set-closing "Air Mail Special.") The balladry is masterful as well, with "Baby, Won'T You Please Come Home" and "Satin Doll" high on the list. Rarely given a spot on the best LPs of her career, "Ella in Hollywood" is nonetheless a classic glimpse of Ella at her on-stage best. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
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• Biography
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Other albums by: Ella Fitzgerald |
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