Ella Fitzgerald - The Harold Arlen Songbook

Verve's legendary songbook editions are among Ella Fitzgerald's very best repertoire. The singer, who was stylistically at home in every genre – from jazz, to the evergreens of the Great American Songbooks, to pop songs – is to this day one of the most versatile interpreters of the American vocal scene. Her recording of the Harold Arlen Songbook, made in 1960 and '61, is, along with similar projects with songs by Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington, the very best of its kind. Harold Arlen discovered his propensity for jazz as a pianist, orchestrator and musical producer of the Cotton Club shows over many years. So it is not surprising that much of what flowed from his pen had a distinct jazz leaning. "Ella is the only vocalist who manages to sing even the most complicated phrases of my songs with poise and lightness," he stated upon completion of the production. The musical quality of the 26 refurbished audiophile tracks, including two bonus tracks, make this re-release a timeless work of reference of American easy listening. The superb big band, along with the brilliant arrangements and conducting of Billy May, provides a perfect backing.