Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Returns To Berlin (1961)(Verve)

I believe that "Ella Returns to Berlin" is simply the best of the live concerts–far better than the concert the year before, in 1960, this concert shows Ella to be more fun, more in command, but just as loved. The concert is eroneously called, "Ella Comes Back to Berlin" by Norman Granz in the introduction. But once Ella takes the stage, there are no more errors–only breath-taking moments of live jazz. Special mention must go to guitarist Herb Ellis who is given prominence here. On some tracks it's just Ella and the guitarist you hear, which really adds a sense of intimacy to what must have been a very large concert hall. The song selection shows more variety and range this time. Ella adds a Jerome Kern medley which really melts your heart with its poignancy. Who said Ella can't sing with any emotion like Billie Holiday? This CD certainly proves Ella was Billie's equal in the jazz pantheon.

Please note that this is an old EAC rip coming from my archives on external hard disc. I made it a couple of years ago (therefore no log is available) from a CD that I borrowed from a friend. Because it's a good rip and, above all, an excellent concert, I think it's worthy to publish it on Avax. Apologies for the (non removable) sticker on the front cover; if anyone has a decent scan of the front cover (or better the complete booklet), please let me know in by a link in the comments or by a personal message.

Personnel:

Ella Fitgerald - Vocals
Lou Levy - Piano (Oscar Peterson On Track 20)
Herb Ellis - Guitar
Wilfred Middlebrooks - Bass (Ray Brown On Track 20)
Gus Johnson - Drums (Ed Thigpen On Track 20)

Tracklist:

01. Introductions And Announcements
02. Give Me The Simple Life
03. Take The "A" Train
04. (I'd Like To Get You On A) Slow Boat To China
05. Medley: Why Was I Born/Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man/People Will Say We're In Love
06. Intro
07. You're Driving Me Crazy
08. Rock It For Me
09. Witchcraft
10. Anything Goes
11. Cheek To Cheek
12. Misty
13. Caravan
14. You'll Have To Swi0ng It (Mr. Paganini)
15. Mack The Knife
16. Fanfare For Ella
17. 'Round Midnight
18. Joe Williams Blues
19. Fanfare For Ella
20. This Can't Be Love
21. Closing Announcements

Recorded Live In Berlin on February 11, 1961