Album Review: Ella Fitzgerald – Ella at the Hollywood Bowl
The pros far outweigh the cons on this thrilling set. First, the good news. According to the one-sheet (which I trust), until now there’s never been a live Songbook from Ella Fitzgerald. And this set of songs from classic American composer Irvin Berlin is filled with tunes both well-known (“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”) and comparatively obscure (“Get Thee Behind Me Satan”).
This recording dates from August 16, 1958, shortly after Fitzgerald released her studio set Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook, so it’s a document of the diva onstage in support of that record. Recorded at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, it’s 15 essential tracks. This recording has resided in the private collection of Norman Granz until recently, unheard by the general public. It’s a must-listen for anyone who appreciates vocal jazz.
With those plaudits out of the way, here’s the bad news, and it’s not very bad at all. The sound quality is a bit on the flat/brittle side, sounding like a good-fidelity recording of a television performance. And beyond the participation of arranger-conductor Paul Weston, there’s no information available regarding the personnel on this date. See? Minor stuff indeed.
Beautifully packaged and featuring a superb liner note essay from Will Friedwald, Ella at the Hollywood Bowl is an outstanding release. I won’t be surprised to find it on many critics’ year-end best-of lists, and it’s likely to score some awards as well.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.