Ella Fitzgerald: Ella In Berlin Ltd Clr

LP Record Ella Fitzgerald's visit to Berlin comes in the middle of a long series of "Songbook" recordings, on which she collaborated with top orchestras led by Buddy Bregman, Nelson Riddle, Bill Doggett, Marty Paich, Frank DeVol and others. However, it seems plausible that the singer's outstanding vocal abilities are best showcased in a small group setting. Of course, this also meant that musicians like pianist Paul Smith, with whom she also recorded "The Intimate Ella" at the time, were always in her shadow. Guitarist Jim Hall is better known for his own work, while bassist Wilfred Middlebrooks and drummer Gus Johnson combine the strengths of flexible swing and tight rhythmic control.