Seizing on the 90th anniversary of her birth, the record biz is busily pumping out “new” Ella product:
* Love Letters From Ella is the pick. It has 10 previously unreleased late-career tracks, some with new orchestral backings added post facto. It’s hardly peak period Ella, but the disc is well worth investigating.
* Ella Fitzgerald: The Collection (The Capitol Recordings) is a selection from the albums Ella recorded for Sinatra’s label in the 1960s - Misty Blue, Brighten The Corner, 30 By Ella, and Ella Fitzgerald`s Christmas. While none of these match the great Verve songbooks, this compilation is worth seeking out, especially as it has a discount price of £7
* Love, Ella is a short career-spanning sampler, mainly of Verve material. It’s difficult to get too excited about this one – there are many better Ella comps available.
* Universal are also promoting a new tribute album, We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song. Glancing at the performers on track list - Natalie Cole, Chaka Kahn, Gladys Knight et al - I’d much rather spend the time/money on the unutterably wonderful real thing…
Gerry Smith
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