The Gershwin Songbook

This is some kind of protest vote, and for a few reasons. 1) By all means, slap a 5/5 on your review, but know this: I see you. I know it sounds high-brow and classical and you feel helpless in its presence. "Aw gee, I mean... shit... it's so prestigious." I get it. But I also see you. Grow a spine. 2) Where are the other compilations in this book? Why have I got to listen to Little Richard and James Brown and Buddy Holly studio albums, and pretend they're representative of the best those acts could produce, when I could be listening to far superior comps? I don't accept this as the exception. 3) It's over three hours. That's only allowable for 'Star Time'.

0:00:30 (01) Wow this is Tom and Jerry-ish 0:01:30 (01) This is surprisingly listenable for me. Not a fan of jazz but I have a big hope that I'll enjoy this one. 0:07:23 (02) That was pretty good. Only 72 songs left... 0:10:40 (02) *yawns* 0:12:20 (02) Since the 4th disc is just a bunch of alternate takes, I will skip that. Only 57 tracks then, let's hope that we will reach track 57. 0:14:20 (03) Wow vocals! Love that voice, that type of singing always take me to the '50s despite the fact that I wasn't even born during those times. 0:22:53 (05) I wonder why this literal compilation album is chosen for the list. Not that it's bad, it's just H U G E. It has an expected fair share of "eh" tracks, like this one. 0:26:32 (06) Lmao the '50s have at least a couple of weird pop songs too. 0:30:51 (07) That voice does better in the ballads. The pop-ish songs are not my jam. 0:33:18 (08) Just kidding. This one is ballad is it's boring. 0:36:05 (09) I'm considering giving up rn. But let's hold on for a bit. 0:37:35 (09) My favorite Beatles album, "Revolver" is considered one of the best and most influential albums of all time. And it's only 35 minutes long. I mean, I'm just thinking that if this is a rock album, then today's listen is finished now. 0:41:45 (10) I mean hiphop albums are usually 70-ish minutes. And that's why they're usually challenging as a listen for me. Oh wait, I'm still listening to an album right now? Lmao I almost forgot. 0:44:21 (11) It's incredible to think that I'm barely 25% into the album as of now. 0:45:11 (11) Love this track and its instrumental break though. 0:52:15 (13) Wonderful track indeed. Woke me up at the moment. 0:57:47 (14) *yaaaaaawwwnnn* "The Wall" is another album that I love. It's 81 plus minutes long. At this time, Pink is probably going Nazi already. 1:00:00 (15) Achievement unlocked: BOOMER MUSIC OVERDOSE (Listen to non-stop '50s pop-jazz music for an hour) 1:04:06 (16) Should I take a break after disc 1 or is it cheating? 1:09:22 (18) Wow, ragtime aint it? Pretty neat way to end a disc. 1:13:36 (19) Yes, "who cares" indeed. Who cares if this is their "very best" or "most influential". Who cares if I didn't finish this album and rated it anyway? 1:26:28 (23) I figuuuuuured ouuuuuutt thaat lissteniiiing to someoneeeee singiiiiiiiing liiiike thiiiiiisssss maakess me sleeeeepppyy.... 1:37:14 (26) This one's pretty good. 1:42:25 (28) Is this really an album one should listen to before they die? I mean three hours of old music is a unique experience. But is it worth it? Does it provide a whole new way to experience music? Is it a good experience? 1:44:20 (29) The 21st Century Fox theme plays and I thought, maybe Is should put an end on this self imposed torture. So now I will raise the white flag and end this madness... 1:46:22 (29) [Game over]; Mission: Listen to it from cover to cover [Failed]; Mission: At least listen to the first three discs [Failed]; Mission: Appreciate the music despite the ridiculous length of this album [Failed]; Mission: At least appreciate Ella Fitzgerald's beautiful voice [Accomplished].

It's nice. I mean, it's great. It's Ella Fitzgerald. It's lovely. It's proficient, adept, and sets the mood. It's fantastic background music. Maybe that's the point, you take your mistress to a lounge, eat some steak, and grab her thigh while the music tries to be as unobtrusive as possible. Not sure what to rate it.

With all due respect to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, I don’t have the time or patience to listen to a three and a half hour box set of Gershwin songs. I’m not gonna sit here and say, “oh my god, this is so amazing. What a landmark record”, just because Ella Fitzgerald is a legend. I hated this record. This type of music bores the ever-loving shit out of me. The truth is, I’ve got about 40 minutes of tolerance for most music that was recorded before 1965. I know, I’m a horrible close minded human being; the poster boy for everything that’s wrong with modern society. I see the value in it, I can appreciate Fitzgerald’s talent…she has an absolutely beautiful voice and the arrangements are wonderful. In short bursts, it’s kind of enjoyable to me. After about 10 songs, though, it becomes torturous. Is it a bad record because of that? No, certainly not. I’m not anywhere near that narcissistic. This just isn’t for me. I wish I could like music like this, I wish I could see what other people see in it. I wish I could put this on, have a cup of coffee and do the Sunday NYT crossword puzzle, without my skeleton attempting to separate from my flesh. I did learn one thing listening to this record, though. The “po-tay-to / po-tah-to” song was written by Gershwin…Saving that in the old memory bank for trivia night. Because I made no attempt to finish this collection, I’m defaulting to site consensus on this. The site ranks it a 3.62, so I’ll give it a 3.

There's just something transcendental about Ella Fitzgerald and her voice. It's music that captures a place, a feeling, an entirely different time period. So beautiful.

I was unsure about how good three hours of music by one composer and for one voice could be. Add to that my appreciation for this era of music but general distrust of magical language about artistic periods. Well, I was utterly wrong. There's something special here, some kind of everyday magic. And now I have a standard for comparing vocals to bells.

Get's a bit fuckin tiresome this pretty quickly doesn't it?

Man, how do you begin to appraise this. It's 3 hours long, for starters. It also represents multiple huge bodies of work (i.e. Ella Fitzgerald's, but the Gershwin bros' too). I've got the 1990 Verve edition, which crams it onto 3 CDs... but even then, this is not a regular triple-album. It's a monolith. Maybe I'm an idiot, because I always vaguely thought this was an anthology collecting some previous Gershwin records by Fitzgerald. But in this case, the collection is the original. It was a 5 LP boxset release. The deluxe version originally cost $100, which is something like $900 in today's money. I'm now even more impressed, at the ambition of the project, and the fact that there was no compromise on quality at this scale. When you consider that Fitzgerald had multiple other albums released in 1959 and 1960, the whole thing is fucking insane. Unlike some of those other albums, I don't think the idea here was "here is Ella's rendition of some famous songs", but rather "here are the definitive versions of a modern canon". And it achieves that aim completely. Anyhow, the songs are gorgeous, and they suit Fitzgerald's voice amazingly. This is Ella at her best, showcasing the Gershwins in their best light. To me, the quality of the music is beyond reproach. On the other hand, there's no getting away from the fact that it's not an album in the contemporary sense, and it makes for a weird listening experience. It would be more enjoyable to just listen to the 15 best tracks, but that's not really the point, since this is deliberately a monolithic document. Do you listen to individual tracks, or sit through 3 hours straight? Or do you recreate the original 5 LPs, and do one at a time? It doesn't ultimately matter, because it's perfection however you play it. So, not really an album... but rated as an album? 5/5. And as a seminal document of American music, and an essential touchstone of twentieth-century culture? 5/5. It's kinda stupid to say a celebrated recording is underrated - but this is underrated... in that it's one of the most important set of recordings ever made, and the discussion it receives in most quarters isn't equal to its sheer skill, beauty, scale, ambition, and contribution to culture.

Ella’s voice is timeless, and this was just a warmly voiced album to have on during winter.

Ella Fitzgerald is simply the best. I didn't listen to the full 3-hour version, but the Best Of album gave me the highlights. I'm going to imagine myself in a classic film with this playing in the background now.

This was a lovely album to listen to on a Monday morning... But then I ran out of morning.

Ella's voice is enchanting, and the songs compliment her voice beautifully. This album felt like a comfy dream that I didn't want to wake up from. Will definitely be listening to this album again.

Absolutely beautiful in every way. Immediately blended into the background. Floated around the room and harmonized with the hum of a small in-wall heater, struggling against the cold morning air. C

Billie Holiday is a little too glissando for me, generally, but Ella… Ella… Ms. Fitzgerald always gets it right for me. Stunning. 5 stars every single day and twice on Sundays. Thank you ma’am. Soulful and warm, or playful and coquettish, Ella nails it. Not to mention a natural gift for rhythm and scat-singing (she basically invented it. That’s reductive perhaps, but it may as well be true)

One of the greatest voices of the 20th century singing songs by one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. There's really nothing to dislike here. Not a damn thing.

Led by Ella's beautiful voice, exquisite musicianship and enduring lyrics partner to create a captivating one-of-a-kind experience!

NOTE: You can listen to the Very Best of the Gershwin Songbook which is only 45 minutes! I do wish there were more 'very best of' albums on here, but I see why that's difficult for some artists v others. With that said, Ella is really a timeless voice, with such a sense of melody, rhythm, and jazz (her scat singing is really something else). Not much else to say asides from this being well deserving of a spot on this list.

Ella is great, and I love the big band and crooner oldies, but this Gershwin covers album didn't do much for me. Tried 3x. Pretty boring record.

One of the greatest 20th century vocalists, performing the best songs by one of the greatest songwriting teams of the 20th century arranged by one of the greatest bandleaders of the 20th century. Too long? I wish it was four hours long. Hell, bring on the whole Great American Songbook collection.

Benjamin

Coming straight after a 2 hour album that I could not finish (that country one) comes this 3 hour long gem. Sadly I could not find the time to listen to it in one sit so I had to do it across three days but damn this is listenable, how great and full of amazing moments this is. At many points I found myself thinking "damn I need this on vinyl". It's all about the production, it’s all about the treatment and respect for the performer, Ella is outstanding and the producers let her flourish. Remember that Tina Turner record that with the hideous production? Well, they could have use listening to this to learn how to extol the performer. No need to say I really loved this one.

Ella’s voice is absolutely dessert for the ears, the arrangements are top notch, and you can’t hate on classics from the American Songbook. I had an internal struggle with my desire to rate this a 5. Usually I like albums that are one complete experience; something meant as a one-sitting treat. But this is like a full gallon of premium ice cream. Should I fault it for being larger than it’s pint-sized cousins simply because it won’t fit into one bowl? For this album, I don’t think so. “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” is still a trash song though and I stand by that lol.

Well I’m a huge fan of Ella now. Solid album from top to bottom.

Exactly the kind of album I would not have listened to for much of my life and is the benefit of this exercise. Big band / jazz singing was something I really didn't appreciate (like) growing up so this is a relatively new genre for me... ...but who hasn't heard of Ella Fitzgerald? I think the thing I appreciate most right way is how good this sounds - 1959?? Getting a full orchestra sounding this good and clear while blending with Ella's perfect voice had to be a crazy challenge. I'm usually more turned off than on by singing but her voice is truly perfect - there's a clarity and casual vibe to the way she sang that could probably never be taught - how do you learn to lay back on the beat like this and yet nail it so perfectly? It would be an insult to call her singing effortless but therein lies the genius talent I suppose, that she sounds like she could have been told "Ella! quick, sing this song" and she would have cut it on a first take then been on her way. And perhaps that casual-yet-perfect delivery is the reason that millions of people thought/think they could sing like her. (where's my mother-in-law...? ha) Now... the entire album is 3 hours long. Hello. Wayy too much. Then again, where am I gonna go - I'm listening on work time and this is actually perfect working music. I'm not focused on lyrics so it's more the entire sound that washes over me in a much more enjoyable way than I'd have thought... as a negative, on the rare occasion that I do end up hearing the lyrics they're a bit...goofy? I don't like it much at all - but it's the era, I get that, so I'll not knock Gershwin - just grading on Ella and the band here. Not really a genre I love but this is one of the most famous and celebrated singers in American history; for those like me it's a necessary education/addition to the list and has been an excellent listen. I feel like I'm giving this a bit of a legacy rating - even though I'm unlikely to listen to the album again, I enjoyed it more than I expected (again not grading the lyrics so much which for me are best-ignored) and to get by the mammoth running time of this I could see making a (much) shorter "best of" this best of for a personal compilation. 7/10 4 stars

There's technically nothing wrong with this album, but it didn't interest me at all. It's good background noise for movies and bars/restaurants, or even for classy house parties, but not enough to desire a listen by itself. I will give it props for making smooth music and Fitzgerald's vocals was pleasant.

Another example of something I acknowledge is great and performed well, but is simply not my style. I can appreciate the talent here, though. Her voice is wonderful and the songs are pleasant.

I could listen to her any time anyplace and all day.

I’m biased, I love playing Gershwin on piano and having Ella Fitzgerald sing to all of these songs I already knew makes the music even better

I mean, how much do I need to write? It’s Ella. It’s the Gershwin songbook. What more could you ask for out of a vocal jazz album? This was wonderful. And especially refreshing after listening to John Zorn yesterday. She truly is one of the greats. It’s so easy to just feel immersed in her work. The emotion conveyed through her voice, the control she has over it. It’s wonderful and impressive. Just a lovely time. Really cannot recommend it enough. Five stars. Standout tracks: I Got Rhythm, The Man I Love, Love is Here to Stay, A Foggy Day, Someone to Watch Over Me, Fascinating Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me Side note: in reading other reviews before posting mine, I see that there’s a version of this that is 3+ hours. Yeah, will not be seeking that out, thanks. The link led me to “The Very Best of,” that’s the album cover on the website, so that’s what I listened to.

an absolutely breathtaking album that is perfect for the workday. Just so beautiful and fun

Butter.

No words to describe this voice

The songs on this album are great for lounge/ background music. It transports one to a place of stillness and calm. Its like a warm blanket on a cold day

This music makes me feel like im about to tell the woman I love to get on a plane to help fight the nazis. The version in the book though is a 3 hour long boxset As much as I enjoyed this, 3 hours is way too much, so my rating is for whats linked to spotify rather than whats in the book

I'm of the firm belief that Ella Fitzgerald has one of the most perfect voices in the history of popular music. It's round, luscious, vibrant, and above all else, warm and welcoming. Her melodic patterns are instantly recognizable and easy to fall into and trace along with. The moments on this album where the backing Big Band breaks through these mixes to lightly contrast Fitzgerald's vocals (like on the song 'I Can't Be Bothered Now') are undeniably visceral. There's subtle variety in the instrumentation here; primarily in the many ways they're used to complement the lead vocals. The Gershwin brothers are notably talented songwriters, with a majority of these songs being charmingly witty and quaint takes on the ideas of hopeless, driven, or contemplative love. There are some truly great moments on this album, like the rhumba and flute-driven musical interlude in the aptly named 'Just Another Rhumba' that eventually transforms into this wall of horns. Or the serene strings driving the slower 'Embraceable You' and a lot of the other slower songs here. I also love the scat singing (something I admittedly wish Ella did more of on this album) on 'I Got Rhythm' which is maybe my favorite song here. The final classical-influenced instrumental disc here elegantly closes this odyssean album. When I listen to these super old albums, they either sound irritatingly antiquated or they successfully take me back to their time. This album undeniably facilitates the latter effect; one that is only amplified by the clean mix that gives each element of this album adequate space to flourish. Considering its length, it's a feat that this much good music exists here (not even considering Fitzgerald covers the entire American Songbook throughout the rest of this saga). It just seem like there's an endless stream of ideas and talent on display on this consistent monster of a vocal jazz record. It's hard to tackle specific songs here but within this giant tracklist, my favorites are 'Let's Call The Whole Thing Off', ‘By Strauss, ‘The Real American Folk Song’, 'Boy Wanted', ‘Of Thee I Sing’, 'Slap That Bass', 'Embraceable You', 'Oh So Nice', and 'I Got Rhythm'.

I enjoyed the more upbeat ones of this album, found some of the slow ones a little dull but perhaps you have to be in the mood for this. I listened to this first thing on my birthday having just had my train cancelled and having to get a bus instead. I appreciated what this is though and enjoyed the strings

Disney music. Very good and very well done but my brain can really only hear it as disney music

Made it! Yay for Ella. Nay for 3 hour albums.

Buenísimo. Parece que el link con YouTube music envía a un álbum extendido, tenía 59 canciones...demasiado.

Very pleasant, swingin' old timey dinner party music. Reminds me of my grandma, in a nice way. I like and know several of these songs from my own choir days. But this doesn't need to be 3 hours long, pretty repetitive after a while. I probably only made it about halfway through. Ella is a wonderful singer and I'd be happy to listen to her music, but since I'm rating the album, unfortunately I'm knocking this down to a 2.4/5

Would have been 3-4 if it would have ended after about an 1/3 of the time...

The first song was pretty good, but it got worse. It is definitely not bad, in fact the singing is very beautiful, but it's just not my cup of tea. Truthfully, it feels outdated.

Nr. 121/1001 I Got Rhythmus 4/5 Oh Lady Be Good 3/5 Nice Work If You Can Get It 4/5 The Man I Love 3/5 Love Is Here To Stay 3/5 But Not For Me 3/5 A Foggy Day 4/5 Someone To Watch Over Me 2/5 Fascinating Rhythm 3/5 Embraceable You 3/5 They Can't Take That Away From Me 3/5 'S Wonderful 3/5 Average: 2,17 I accidently listened to the "Very Best" Album by accident, which is only 30 minutes long. Only afterwards did I discover that the actual album is over 3 hours long. Since I already felt some diversity lacking, I'm going to deduct a point since I didn't listen to the whole album.

Music can be enjoyed socially or alone. Although music not in season will struggle greatly to be enjoyed socially. I could see this going hard at a ball but in this day and age it’s just unlikely. Certainly won’t be enjoyed alone either until it’s in a post nuclear wasteland wether virtually or in reality. Also song names aren’t very creative.

I only listened to the "Very Best Of The Gershwin Songbook", because that's where this site links and because I'd rather eat a full family-sized bag of unseasoned dicks than listen to jazz for 3 hours. (Note: If you want the full version, search for "Ella Fitgerald Sings The George and Ira Gershwin Song Book" on Spotify) Alright, first of all, why is a box set on this list? This is essentially just a compilation and those are supposed to be excluded, right? I'm very glad I decided to listen to the abridged version, because even the "best hits" started getting old 5 songs in. Listening to 59(!!!) variations of "woman crooning about how she's sad while Tom & Jerry background music is playing" would have been my Tantalus punishment.

The Greschwin's music is incredibly iconic to a whole generation of people but unfortunately 1920's and 30's music like this hasn't aged particularly well. Everything from the sentiment to the references to the music itself just screams old fashioned and outdated. Which is a shame because there is obviously a lot of skill that went into writing these songs and Ella Fitzgerald does a find job performing these. But I just cant get into them. I'm chalking this one down as a "not for me".

Im not sure if you have to be a fan of Ella Fitzgerald or George Gershwin, I’m guessing it’s the latter. I now know that I am not.

Absolut nicht mein Genre. Als Nächstes kommen dann Bach, Beethoven und Tschaikowski. Oder Hörbücher?

I made it to track four, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off", and I happily obliged. 👎👎

Amazing

That was even better than I expected. Nobody does the standards better than Ella. Not Frank, not Bing. Nobody. That voice is so warm, so smooth, so perfect. If you want to be picky, some of the lyrics don't fit my feminist leanings. But Someone To Watch Over Me is a song with astounding longing, just pouring from the singer's heart. The secret is in the delivery - straight. No warbles, no melisma, no screeching out high notes, just honouring the melody.

Beautiful.

Pure, unadulterated joy. One of the most important recordings of the twentieth century. The playful lyrics and tunes of the Gershwins, the impeccable artistry of Ella Fitzgerald and the classy arrangements of Nelson Riddle come together - this is sheer indulgence.

'SWonderful

Damn that was the best 195 minute album I’ve ever heard 10/10

Great Album, one of the best to enjoy in a good evening or a good night

OH MY GOD! I've been waiting for an Ella album! Not too lie, I did not have her on my playlist until a bit more than 4 years ago, starting with Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, and would not have thought that'd be the start of my love for jazz! Love her so so much. And I got this album on a cold rainy working day which was a great reward!

Oh wow. There aren't many folks I'd like to spend 3.25 hours with. But Ella Fitzgerald, Nelson Riddle, Ira Gershwin, and George Gershwin... This was a magic time, and I'd have gladly spent more time with them. I can't imagine a more perfect combination. This was a lovely day to spend with these masters. I'd do it all again.

OMG, Ella Fitzgerald singing Gershwin is an easy 5 stars. I hadn't heard this album before, but wasn't even finished with the first track before I realized this album was going to be great. Would listen again. Frequently.

What a great listen. Ella is a Queen and this is just one of her crowning achievements. I choose to listen to the full three hour version rather than the best of and it was well worth it. Great album!

Ella's voice soothes me in the same way as Karen Carpenter's, and with superb joyful jazz standards "who could ask for anything more"! There is also a shorter "very best of the Gershwin songbook" available too.

Ella Fitzgerald infusing her magic into dozens of songs from the Great American Songbook? Yes, please. I don't want to write anything more about her lest I diminish her greatness even in the slightest way. Love you, Lady Ella.

Just so so beautiful. Will be buying this vinyl ASAP!

☆☆☆☆☆

Beautiful

I get why she’s the best. Voice like honey. Such lovely movement through changes. She a real G.

Beautiful album!

What a beautiful album

I sang a surprising number of these songs in high school choir. Of course, Ella sings the heck out of them.

The 3+ hours was a lot of time to work into today for just one listen, but it sure was worth it.

M'ha agradat descbrir-lo!

Very smooth and relaxing

Ella Fitzgerald. Nelson Riddle. Gershwin tunes. A perfect way to spend the day! Among the best things I every listened to.

Lucky I like a Gershwin tune (how about you?) because this was a lot of them. Ira's rhymes don't hurt either --- here's one of my favorites: "The only work that really brings enjoyment Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant" With Ella's smooth and silky voice and Nelson Riddle's lush arrangements, this was pure delight from start to finish.

The warmth, love and just beauty of Ella’s voice is amazing. This album warmed my soul through and through. Loved it!

Super! So comforting and easy to relax to.

Uma deliciosa viagem ouvir esse álbum! Melhor música: S'Wonderful Bônus: Someone to Watch over me e Love is here to stay

E.xellent

Oh Ella, my favourite jazz singer of all time. i would listen to her sing the phone book. But this is not the phone book, but a major volume of the great American songbook. A massive project to record a huge number of the Gershwin's greatest output, with beautiful orchestrations, that create a lush bed for Ella's incomparable voice. Truth be told, I prefer her 1950 Gershwin album; her voice is a little brighter and the orchestrations a little less cheesy. But this really is a major work of popular song of the 20th century.

I liked it. Even though it was 3+ hours long I did not felt the time. I enjoyed the album. Ella's voice is a blessing to hear.

"I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them". - Ira Gershwin This collection features my favorite era of American music and one of the tops of the genre - Ella Fitzgerald. While it's her name on the album, it's a veritable who's who of greats that made this collection possible. Aside of Ella being the highlight vocalizing the amazing words of the brothers Gershwin, this would not be possible at all without Nelson Riddle's orchestration. I've struggled to get through some of the selections on this list that are only one disc. The whopping six discs of music on this selection wasn't enough for me. I could've gone for more Ella Fitzgerald.

These weren't the Gershwin songs I'm most familiar with, but they're good and she's great.

was not expecting to be so intrigued by this. the lyrics function really well with the tones.

Long.

What’s to say? Mastery on top of mastery. Within its genre (if that’s the word) it couldn’t really get any better.

No deja de ser un disco de covers pero si es Ella por Gershwin todo trasciende hasta convertirse en una obra maestra absoluta. Jazz orquestal preciosista y precioso que junto a ese swing vocal que le da la Fitzgerald convierten en oro cualquier tema de los grabados en estas sesiones. Lo escuchas hoy y sigue sonando nuevo, joven. Para dejarte llevar. Increíble.

Great album nothing more nothing less

Such an important album to listen to. Now I need to go listen to sinatra

I love her voice! It’s so calming. Completely enjoyed every song

Finding out that today's album was from the great Ella Fitzgerald, I started listening with high expectations. She met all of them, and took me through this story of someone longing for love. I listened to the "best of" edition of this album, not having time for all 55 tracks of the original album, but I will definitely have to give it a full listen soon.

this gives me femme fatale smoking a cigarette and sippin' on some bourbon vibes.

Perfect. Classic in the best possible way.

Beautiful voice

A lovely listening experience :) What a voice!

I don't really like to see compilations on this list, but anything by Ella Fitzgerald is always welcome. One of the most pleasant and crystal clear voices of all time. This 45 minutes of heavenly music makes me want to seek out the complete Gershwin songbook.

“The Very Best of the Gershwin Songbook” by Ella Fitzgerald (1959) The great Ella Fitzgerald sings 12 great songs written by the great songwriting duo (the great George Gershwin and the great Ira Gershwin), arranged by the great Nelson Riddle performed with the backing of his great orchestra released in the great year 1959 delivering great sound produced by the great Norman Granz for his great record label Verve. Do you get an idea of where this is headed? But, it must be noted, the album is a collection of the ‘top’ 12 tracks from the 59 songs included on the original five-LP “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook”, and thus is sort of a “greatest hits” compilation. It stretches the standard selection criteria of the 1001 Albums project. Now, to the main point of assessing a product like this: Ella Fitzgerald’s voice has everything—resonance, control, range, diction, power, soul, dynamic scope, and metaphysical transcendence (well, perhaps that’s overdoing it a bit). Her delivery can be characterized as sultry, but still capable of expressing laughter through the words and tones. She hits every curveball that tag team relievers Gershwin, Gershwin, and Riddle throw at her. George Gershwin composes melodies with intervals that are challenging for any singer. And while Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald can both master these intervals in the studio (e.g., “Someone to Watch Over Me”) only Fitzgerald can do it live (not heard on this album, but well worth exploring). In sum, Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is simply amazing. Riddle’s quasi-humorous inclusion of strains of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in the outro to “The Man I Love” probably elicited an eye-rolling giggle from Fitzgerald. But Riddle’s arrangements are, in fact, superb. He is likely, for instance, surpassed only by Glenn Miller in his effective use of solo bass trombone. Some of his humorous countermelodies are a referential stretch, but entertaining every time. Ira Gershwin mastered the art of stretching to reach a rhyme, and he rarely enters the realm of the profound. But he’s a dutiful slave to meter, if that’s a good thing. Listen to the first ten seconds of “Embraceable You” if that’s all the time you have (and if that’s truly all the time you have, I feel sorry). The only flaw I spotted in this album was that the song “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” should have been arranged in a key that is one whole step higher. Fitzgerald can’t quite descend to the tonic with confidence. But even for a quasi-“greatest hits” collection, this recording is still top notch. 5/5

Perfect from start to finish

Fantastic, soulful voice

Ella is the queen.

I mean. It’s Ella. Of course it’s brilliant.