Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Ella & Louis

 

Acoustic Sounds Series reissues from Verve/Universal Music Enterprises!

Monthly releases highlighting the world's most historic and best jazz records!

Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original analog tapes

180-gram LPs pressed at Quality Record Pressings!

Stoughton Printing gatefold old-style tip-on jackets

Series supervised by Chad Kassem CEO of Acoustic Sounds

Click to see the Acoustic Sounds Series

"As with all the Acoustic Sounds releases I've reviewed here on Analog Planet thus far, this new production company is exemplary overall. The pressing is top-notch, manufactured on thick, dark black 180-gram vinyl that is quiet and well-centered. Overall, Ella's warm, melted-buttery voice makes for a tasty contrast when poured over Pops' more angular salty popcorn-crunch vocals. Add in Satch's rich round trumpet playing, and you've got the formula for a sweet sonic taste sensation." — Music = 10/11; Sound = 8/11 — Mark Smotroff, AnalogPlanet.com. To read the full review click here.

"The classic jazz album that brought Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong together for the first time as they recorded their version of extraordinary standards." — Wax Time

The evening before Louis Armstrong recorded this album, both he and Miss Fitzgerald were appearing in an all-star concert also featuring Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson that was recorded for an album titled Live At The Hollywood Bowl (1956). The following day the two singers, along with the Oscar Peterson Trio, were in a Los Angeles studio to record this gem of an album.

With no time for rehearsals the songs were all set in Louis' key to make it easier, but this in no way inhibits Ella's performance. Another challenge for Pops was the fact that the material was not his normal repertoire, meaning he had to learn things on the fly in the studio. Again there's no hint of any issues, which all goes to highlight Armstrong's innate musical ability.

Side A

1. Can't We Be Friends

2. Isn't This A Lovely Day?

3. Moonlight In Vermont

4. They Can't Take That Away From Me

5. Under A Blanket Of Blue

6. Tenderly

Side B

1. A Foggy Day

2. Stars Fell On Alabama

3. Cheek To Cheek

4. The Nearness Of You

5. April In Paris

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 3 person(s) rated this product.

Ella and Louis Never Sounded Better posted on 10/23/2024 5 Stars Just about perfect. Ella's voice is smooth as glass and Pops sings and plays in a laid back fashion sort of out of character for him. He kills it though. Kudos to Acoustic Sounds for another outstanding recording. The record is dead quiet and the vocals are right there in front of you. A wonderful compilation of standards mastered and recorded beautifully.

Just Heaven posted on 08/31/2022 5 Stars Reviewer: Paul What a great recording and song selection. Another great LP from Acoustic Sounds. I am thoroughly enjoying it.

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