Ella Fitzgerald Sings The George and Ira Gershwin Song Book
Recorded:January 5-8 March 18 and 26 July 15-17, 1959
At Capitol Studios, Hollywood:
CD Released: 25 May 1999
Label: Verve
Format:[email protected]
In the twenty years they wrote together for the stage and screen, George and Ira Gershwin created a body of work which remains one of the most significant accomplishments in the culture of our musical theatre. Nelson Riddle commented, "Gershwin wrote tomorrow's music yesterday. Almost every musician who contemplates a Gershwin tune is a little startled to discover that the melodies, harmonies and rhythms are right up-to-date. No matter what kind of revolution takes place in music, it seems as though Gershwin has already been there, written it and gone on into the future." With respect to Ira Gershwin's lyrics, the remark is equally apposite.
The paradox of Ella Fitzgerald's prominence in the history of jazz singing and her lack of emotional intensity is much less apparent on this album. George Gershwin's affinity with jazz, and the corresponding delight jazz musicians take in performing his material, allow the singer to fly with the music. As for brother Ira's lyrics, they receive their due as cheerful, tender and always delightful examples of the lyricist's art. The Songbook series remains one of Ella Fitzgerald's major contributions--among many--to American popular music and this in particular is one of the best of the sizeable bunch.
George and Ira Gershwin
Disc 1:
1. Ambulatory Suite
2. Preludes, The
3. Sam And Delilah
4. But Not For Me
5. My One And Only
6. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
7. Beginner's Luck, (I've Got)
8. Oh, Lady Be Good
9. Nice Work If You Can Get It
10. Things Are Looking Up
11. Just Another Rhumba
12. How Long Has This Been Going On?
13. 'S Wonderful
14. Man I Love, The
15. That Certain Feeling
16. By Strauss
17. Someone To Watch Over Me
18. Real American Folk Song, The
19. Who Cares?
Nelson Riddle
Disc 2:
1. Looking For A Boy
2. They All Laughed
3. My Cousin In Milwaukee
4. Somebody From Somewhere
5. Foggy Day, A
6. Clap Yo Hands
7. For You, For Me, For Evermore
8. Stiff Upper Lip
9. Boy Wanted
10. Strike Up The Band
11. Soon
12. I've Got A Crush On You
13. Bidin' My Time
14. Aren't You Kind Of Glad We Did?
15. Of Thee I Sing (Baby)
16. Half Of It Dearie Blues, The
17. I Was Doing All Right
18. He Loves And She Loves
Ella Fitzgerald
Disc 3:
1. Love Is Sweeping The Country
2. Treat Me Rough
3. Our Love Is Here To Stay
4. Slap That Bass
5. Isn't It A Pity?
6. Shall We Dance
7. Love Walked In
8. You've Got What Gets Me
9. They Can't Take That Away From Me
10. Embraceable You
11. I Can't Be Bothered Now
12. Boy! What Love Has Done To Me
13. Fascinating Rhythm
14. Funny Face
15. Lorelei
16. Oh, So Nice
17. Let's Kiss And Make Up
18. I Got Rhythm
19. Somebody Loves Me
20. Cheerful Little Earful
21. Oh, Lady Be Good - (alternate take)
22. But Not For Me