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— The Analog Vault // Essential Listening —

As far as jazz vocal team-ups go, no dynamic duo has ever surpassed (or come close to) the irrepressible magic of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Brought together by Verve Records impresario Norman Granz, these two generational talents were joined by pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Buddy Rich for this cherished 1956 recording session at Capitol Studios in Hollywood.

While seemingly incongruous in theory, The First Lady of Song’s graceful and silky tones provided the perfect contrast to Satchmo’s gruff and gravelly voice - the delicious sound of sweet and savoury, set to swinging jazz. Headlined by terrific renditions of evergreen ballads such as "Can't We Be Friends?," "Isn't This a Lovely Day?" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me" (among others) - Ella & Louis is an irresistible and romantic listening experience. — The Analog Vault
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A quiet, Sunday-go-to-meeting record, with slow and middle tempos throughout, (that, however, never stop swiging), it creates tthat sort of jazz that is pensive, rich, and rewarding. (— via Label)

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Ella and Louis is an inspired collaboration, masterminded by producer Norman Granz. Both artists were riding high at this stage in their careers, and Granz assembled a stellar quartet of Oscar Peterson (piano), Buddy Rich (drums), Herb Ellis (guitar) and Ray Brown (bass). Equally inspired was the choice of material, with the gruffness of Armstrong's voice blending like magic with Fitzgerald's stunningly silky delivery. Outstanding are Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" and "Isn't This a Lovely Day," and everything else works like a dream, with the golden star going to the Gershwin brothers' "They Can't Take That Away from Me." Gentle and sincere, this is deserving of a place in every home. — (via AllMusic)

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Label: Verve Records, UMe, Analogue Productions
Format: 2 x Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Mono, 200g
Reissued: 2011 / Original Release: 1956
Genre: Jazz
Style: Easy Listening, Swing, Vocals

File under: TAV Essential Listening
File under: Jazz - Vocals (Audiophile)
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