Thursday, December 19, 2013

We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song (2007)

 

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We All Love Ella is a touching tribute to The First Lady Of Song. This album gives us a terrific fifteen classic Ella Fitzgerald ballads covered by some of the best artists currently in the business. Just one listen proves it!

The CD track set starts with a bouncy rendition of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" by Natalie Cole. The bass works well and so do those horns and percussion! Natalie swings brightly on "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Chaka Chan truly does prove her wide vocal range with a pretty awesome rendition of "Lullaby Of Birdland." The key changes between major and minor work well for "Lullaby Of Birdland." Chaka sings this passionately with all her heart and soul; her excellent diction bolsters her performance. Moreover, Queen Latifah turns in a rousing interpretation of "The Lady Is A Tramp." Queen Latifah never sounded better; and the arrangement for piano, horns, drums and percussion really shines!

"Dream A Little Dream Of Me" features Diana Krall and Hank Jones; although some may think that this interpretation runs a little too long I personally like it very much. Diana Krall and Hank Jones perform a marvelous version of "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." Listen also for a flawless performance of "(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have To Swing It (a.k.a. Mr. Paganini)" by Natalie Cole and Chaka Khan.

Ledisi performs "Blues In The Night" with panache; and the big band style arrangement impresses me with its percussion and horns. Ella would be smiling! "Miss Otis Regrets" gets the royal treatment from Linda Ronstadt who sings this with excellent diction, sensitivity and style.

We get an excellent duet between Ella Fitzgerald herself and the great Stevie Wonder recorded live in concert; their electric chemistry is unmistakable. Together Ella and Stevie Wonder perform "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life." The crowd loves every minute of this duet; and Ella and Stevie never miss a beat! I predict that you will enjoy "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" very, very much.

Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady Of Song, will never be forgotten; and this CD is a wonderful tribute to her and her legacy. We are all remarkably better off for Ella sharing her artistry with us; and I assure you that her CDs will be available for ages to come.

Track Listing:

01. Natalie Cole - A-Tisket, A-Tasket
02. Chaka Khan - Lullaby of Birdland
03. Queen Latifah - The Lady Is a Tramp
04. Diana Krall & Hank Jones - Dream a Little Dream of Me
05. Natalie Cole & Chaka Khan - (You'll Have to Swing It) Mr. Paganini
06. Dianne Reeves - Oh, Lady Be Good!
07. Lizz Wright - Reaching for the Moon
08. Ledisi - Blues in the Night
09. Linda Ronstadt - Miss Otis Regrets
10. Gladys Knight - Someone to Watch Over Me
11. Etta James - Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
12. k.d. lang - Angel Eyes
13. Michael Buble - Too Close for Comfort
14. Ella Fitzgerald & Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of My Life

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