Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book (CD - 1957)

Discs 1 and 2 contain all of the material on the 3-disc DUKE ELLINGTON SONG BOOK collection. Disc 3 features previously unreleased recordings of Ellington and Strayhorn rehearsing with Fitzgerald and the orchestra.

Personnel includes: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Clark Terry, Ben Webster, Harry Carney, Oscar Peterson, Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn, Ray Brown, Paul Gonsalves.

Recorded in Hollywood, California and New York, New York in 1956 and 1957. Includes essay by Patricia Willard.

This is part of Verve's Master Edition series.

THE COMPLETE DUKE ELLINGTON SONGBOOK is a three-disc set containing all 38 songs recorded during the sessions for the original vinyl release of THE DUKE ELLINGTON SONGBOOK in 1956. Produced by the legendary Norman Granz, the sessions are simply remarkable, as they capture Fitzgerald at the height of her powers backed by the classic mid-'50s lineup of Ellington's orchestra, featuring Paul Gonsalves, Barney Kessel, and Ben Webster. Pianist extraordinaire Oscar Peterson even sits in. The songs are exquisite, of course. Duke Ellington and his musical partner Billy Strayhorn were possibly the finest songwriters in jazz history, and every track here is a classic. In particular, these renditions of "Prelude to a Kiss," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," and "Lush Life" may be the definitive versions. This set is essential for all Fitzgerald and Ellington fans.

Ella Fitzgerald's outstanding songbook series has become an institution unto itself. This 1957 effort is distinguished from Fitzgerald's other songbooks in that it is the only album in which the composer whose work she is singing actively participates. In fact, these recordings are packed with some of the key figures in 20th century jazz. As if Ella and Duke weren't enough, Ellington's arranger/composer Billy Strayhorn, guest musicians Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson, and brilliant record producer Norman Granz all have a hand in the proceedings.

And what better backing band could one want than Duke's orchestra? The usual suspects--Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, and Sam Woodyard, among others--contribute fine performances throughout. Duke's spectacular catalogue dazzles, and his sprightly, lush, richly textures songs are transfigured under Fitzgerald's warm-timbred voice and elegant, precise delivery. Included here are classics like "Rockin' in Rhythm," "Caravan," "Satin Doll," "Sophisticated Lady," "Prelude to a Kiss," and "It Don't Mean a Thing...," each tune as familiar as it is delightful to hear in this new context. Beautifully restored and packaged, featuring bonus tracks, liner notes and photographs, this box is recommended to collectors, casual listeners, and any fan of good music. minimize