Norman Granz, then owner of Verve Records was no fool. He knew Nelson would be a great arranger for Ella. He waited until the Gershwin Songbook to get Nelson and then these albums followed. While the Gershwin Songbook may be Ella and Nelson's finest hours, the "Brightly" album and this one are no less magnificent. Ella's reading of "I CAN'T GET STARTED" swings ever so slighty while getting the message across as Nelson gets off some of his finest arranging ever. Included here are "IT'S A PITY TO SAY GOODNIGHT", "I WISHED ON THE MOON", a very boozy yet sentimental reading of "STREET OF DREAMS", and the classic "BODY AND SOUL". As an added bonus Verve has unearthed a great gem in "ALL OF ME", and I can't decide who's swinging harder, Ella in a mad scat mode, or Nelson Riddle's fabulous orchestra behind her. It's important to note that while Nelson was one of the greatest arranger/conductors of our time (look what he did for Sinatra from 1953 on, as well as countless others) his arrangements never take away from the vocalist, but rather aide them into giving us some of the greatest music ever! One of my favorite Ella/Nelson sides appears on the Jerome Kern songbook, "A FINE ROMANCE". If it's Ella and Nelson...you gotta get it!

Oh boy, is this a treat! One of those albums whose discovery really make life seem better. Riddle's arrangements are simply breathtaking; lush, heady, saturated with nostalgia, but with a powerful slow swing, as if cast for some dance band in heaven, they provide a magical backdrop for Ella at her most forthright and soulful. Personally, I prefer this to its more famous predecessor "Ella Swings Brightly.." Tracks "Sweet and Slow", "Street of Dreams", "She's Funny That Way", "The Very Thought of You", "All of Me" and, above all, the monumental "I Can't Get Started" are just sumptuous. Coming in 1962 this album was a gorgeous overblown sunset for a musical era that was all but ended. I rate this as a must!

This is one of the best titles I've heard from Ella Fitzgerald and should be a part of any music fan's collection. Most Ella fans probably already do own this CD, so for those unsure about what Ella disc to purchase to start a collection make this it. Riddle's arrangements are pure gold and Ella's Georgia On My Mind is out of this stratosphere.

Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady Of Song, remains one of the greatest entertainers we shall ever see. Ella could lead her adoring audiences anywhere she wanted them to go. Moreover, her ability to scat never ceases to amaze me. Ella always improvised her scatting but she somehow, almost magically, she always made it look so well prepared.

The CD track set begins with "Sweet And Slow." The opening musical flourish sets the tone for an awesome number; and Ella's voice is rich, warm and vibrant. The horns enhance the beauty of the arrangement by the incomparable Nelson Riddle, too. "Georgia On My Mind" shines with a stunning musical arrangement; and Ella's interpretation runs a bit faster than Ray Charles's rendition; but Ella's version works very well. Ella truly pours her heart and soul into "Georgia On My Mind." Excellent!

"Imagination" features Ella singing her very best; she really IS swinging gently for the delivery of this number! Ella's excellent diction works well with the musical arrangement. "The Very Thought Of You" uses the horns well; and Ella sings this as if it were the greatest lullaby ever produced. You'll float on a cloud listening to Ella's interpretation of 'The Very Thought Of You!" "She's Funny That Way" gets the royal treatment from Ella; and Nelson Riddle's arrangement places the horns squarely in the middle of the spotlight along with Ella's voice. Love those chimes on "She's Funny That Way," too!

Other treats on this album include the steamy and romantic "The Very Thought Of You;" Ella performs this with panache and sensitivity. "The Very Thought Of You" also allows Ella to sing up and down an octave or more--and this impresses me greatly. "Body And Soul" is another particularly romantic number; Ella sings this to perfection and the melody moves along at just the right tempo.

The CD gives us two bonus tracks: We get "Call Me Darling" and "All Of Me." "Call Me Darling" makes you want to spend time alone with your sweetheart the very instant you hear it; Ella doesn't miss a note and the strings bolster the quality of the melody. "All Of Me" sports a faster tempo; and the high quality control of this number makes the perfect ending for this CD. Ella also does a jubilant scat chorus; and this injects electricity into "All Of Me." Who could ask for anything more?

The liner notes include an informative essay by James Gavin; and we get the song credits and the recording dates as well. We even get a miniature replica of the reverse of the cardboard jacket cover for the 1962 record album release; this features an essay by Benny Green.

Ella Fitzgerald was a living legend; and her legendary status will forever remain in the history of first rate, five star quality entertainers. I highly recommend this CD for Ella's fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will love this CD, too.

Thank you, Ella!

......This could easily be it. This albumn is so great that even among Ella Cd's, this one stands out. Why? Well, as it says on the CD notes on back, her voice has grown richer, more womanly - very true - there is a warmth here you cannot deny - also, the accoustics here are warmer than usual - And the arrangements - WOW! This is "Killer" Nelson Riddle - done in the Dance Band Style with a slight nod to the 40's, these are some of the richest, most gorgeous arrangements I have ever heard. When you team up Nelson Riddle and Ella Fitzgerald at the top of their game, you have a juggernaut of joy, swing, and talent that nearly defies desription. I especially love "Georgia On My Mind", "The Very Thought Of You", and "Sweet and Slow", but like it's sibling CD "Ella Swings Brightly With Nelson", there isn't a fail in the entire CD. This is a MASTERPIECE - DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! (Yes, I know I was yelling there - but this is peak Ella we're talking about here!)