The Gershwin Songbook

It's almost criminal that this app allows you to give The Gershwin Songbook anything less than four stars.

What a timeless voice!

Gold.

It's amazing!

clocking in at over three hours, obviously this is more of an encyclopedic document of songs and performances than an actually intended Album Listening Experience. i did still listen to the whole thing in one sitting! and not even out of obligation necessarily...when i saw it was divided into discs, i was like "okay after each disc ill give myself the chance to stop", but i ended up not rly feeling the obvious need for a break at any point. definitely bad for its intended function As an encyclopedic document, as the sheer volume of songs and performances is just too much information to properly parse in a row, but i super enjoyed myself. if ur going to listen to anyone sing for this long, i think its gotta be ella fitzgerald...she's just this steady ray of light thats constantly inviting to Have In Ur Ears (esp cuz she still retains a fun and involving swing), and her diction is so clear and readable and comfortable that u never have to struggle to see the artistry of both her and whatever song she's singing. all the choices she makes are firmly in favor of The Song, a very humble approach that still leaves it self evident that ur listening to quite possibly the Objectively Best Singer humanity has ever seen. even the final stretch of instrumentals is a nice way to wind down to the finish line after a titanic experience. and ur telling she's got a whole separate album with louis armstrong for the porgy and bess material? wowie!

The serendipity of getting this box set on the day of a cross-country flight for myself. In almost any other setting, the 3 hours would grate on me eventually. But this is perfect. She is perfect. The songs are perfect. I'm so happy right now.

Ella's voice... I can listen to it for hours and hours

Simply fantastic - there's a reason this is the sound we use to represent its time

Like a sunshine ski through mountains of lush velvet. Gorgeous.

Look, there's no way I could approach this behemoth of an album without a massive amount of enthusiasm. (OK, it's technically a "box set.") George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" is my favourite classical(-esque) piece ever, which I've seen performed live twice. I grew up playing and learning about classical music and loving musical theatre (and wishing I was talented enough to sing/act/dance/perform on stage without crumbling to pieces), and it's pretty clear from this project so far that my favourite albums include all the jazz ones I've gotten. If an AI were to spit out a list of albums that it "thought" were my favourites based on my interests and life, this album would definitely be on that list. Yes, this "box set" is over three hours long and is certainly overkill. And sure, the editor of the 1001 List could've chosen an actual, curated album of of Ella Fitzgerald's for the list. But maybe he had a difficult time deciding which one to pick and went with the one that would give the listener the maximum amount of Ella in one work. Of course, I didn't listen to the entire thing in one go - I listened to each volume separately and that made it a lot more digestible. Ella Fitzgerald is simply stellar on this: truly the Queen of Jazz. She's such a phenomenal vocalist and performs all of these songs to perfection. I loved the orchestration, and I thought it sounded great, considering it was recorded in 1959. Ira Gershwin, famously, was impressed by how good Ella made their songs sound, and who am I to disagree with him? This is an album I'd love to own on vinyl. If I was the type of person who threw fancy dinner parties, I'd put this on in the background while my guests and I are eating our bread, salads, and casseroles, or whatever people eat at fancy dinner parties. Since I'm not that kind of person (and I'm not going to spend time/money looking for an out-of-print vinyl), I'll listen to this through my phone while sitting on my couch eating chips, the way I'm sure Ella, George, and Ira intended.

I love her voice.

Lovely listen for puttering about the house. This somehow reminded me of the Christmas holidays.

Really amazing. And long. I'd much rather listen to this as four or five separate albums instead of 3.5 hours straight. Especially since I already had an album this week with more than 60 songs. That said, it doesn't take away from the brilliance of the writers, the musicians and Ella. They are all some of the best in the world in their fields. Often, that combination makes for too many cooks (too many cooks!), but here it combines for a solid five star album.

Zangeres op haar top zingt muziek van de grootste jazz componist. Geweldige combinatie, het album is zeker te lang, maar wat een werk!

Hard to rate this album. Over three hours in length. Beautiful singing, and wonderful music, but after a while you start to lose track. An album meant for a full day.

I could listen to Ella FItzgerald sing a telephone book. Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

Que tomo espetacular para celebrar a genialidade dela em quatro partes. Sendo que audição flui perfeitamente durante os quase 200 minutos.

Ella Fitzgerald is gold.

It is a beautiful and exhaustive demonstration of Ella’s voice. Truly wonderful.

I mean, it is very long. I would be surprised if this isn't the longest album on this list by standard length. It's also a joy to listen to. I don't think I'll listen to it front to back like this again, but I will keep it on hand for mellow parties or busy days at the office. And certain songs are now close to my heart. Disc five (!) was my favorite. Fitzgerald is unquestionably one of the greatest American vocalists. I'm inclined to check out her other songbook offerings now, length be damned. Call me a pushover for my rating if you must. Highlights: But Not For Me, My One And Only, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Real American Folk Song, Love Is Here To Stay, Boy What Love Has Done To Me, Lorelei, Oh So Nice

Wonderful! Long, but satisfying, I kept coming back to it throughout the day. The song writing and the singer are a match made in heaven

Personal favorite

It’s Ella Fitzgerald and George Gershwin, how do you miss? That being said, it’s also 3 hours long so I’ll cop to not listening to all of it.

A monumental achievement! And I don’t mean just listening to the whole thing. Struck by the consistent humor and playfulness of Ira’s lyrics, and the professionalism of cranking out these tunes consistently throughout a life cut all too short. Ella’s elegantly effortless, as usual.

Wow. Five CD's and all of it great. Incredible. Loved listening to this. 5 Parenthetically, not considering CD number 6, cuz no vocals and wtf 🥴

Ella Fitzgerald is a perfect singer with the voice of an angel but also whoever compiled the 1001 albums needs to get real about these 2 and 3+ hour compilations

An amazing singer.

59 tracks and all great songs. I’ve never heard anything like it. A little before my time but still a great album.

It’s like a gourmet meal of 50 courses. Too much to consume in one sitting. An embarrassment of riches.

Colocaria muito em uma vitrola num dia de sábado no entardecer

Great

Ella is fantastic, classic songs sung beautifully

Fantastic arrangements of classic songs, performed by a top notch performer.

I was only able to listen to about 2.5 hours of this collection. I wasn't expecting it to enjoy it as much as I did. It was really delightful. I don't consider myself a huge fan of the old timey music, but this was really exceptional work. The audio quality was fantastic, the music, and of course Ella Fitzgerald. I was able to listen to this and work and it really put a smile on my face at times. Just really pleasant to listen to.

A bit of a whopper but very good

It’ll take me a long time to finish this - but unless it suddenly turns into heavy metal in the 3rd act, it’s 5/5 for me.

Ett otroligt bra album. Jag lyssnade hela helgen och kom igenom 52 av de 59 låtarna i albumet. Njöt av varenda en. Ella Fitzgerald är helt sjuk i huvudet och förtjänar värdigt en 5a från mig.

stunning and wonderful

59 songs? But last year- last year I had 69! 😡 After breaking that Magnetic Fields album into 3 days of listening, I decided to power through it all today. Broken up, of course- a bit in the wee small hours (speaking of that, here’s another album this week arranged by Nelson Riddle!), a bit before the first coffee, a bit on the work commute, etc. In no order, highlights include Ella’s takes on: “Funny Face”, “I Got Rhythm“, “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off”, “Oh Lady Be Good”, “Just Another Rhumba”, “The Real American Folk Song”, “S Wonderful”, “You’ve Got What Gets Me”, “He Loves and She Loves”. Since I don’t really choose to listen to vocal jazz in general, I was surprised how much I liked this. 3 hours is a bit numbing for any genre, and there are much shorter albums I didn’t fully absorb on 1st listen. Nonetheless, I’ve already added Ella & Louis to my personal listen-list, so it’s probably a good takeaway that I didn’t listen to ENOUGH Ella Fitzgerald. July 7, 2024

Das ist Musik vom Feinsten. Tolle Stimme, tolle Interpretationen, toller Komponist, in jeder Hinsicht ein Meilenstein. Ella Fitzgerald ist einfach die Größte.

Magnificent. Wonderful songs, beautifully sung, splendid lyrics, fantastic melodies, great arrangements - so many delightful details of oboes or clarinets or percussion at just the right moment putting the cherry on top. Three hours of glorious music - makes up for having to sit through the fussy prog rock of Jethro Tull yesterday!

One thing I love about this project is the fact that it's challenging my preconceptions. I've never been keen on Ella Fitzgerald - especially her scat singing, which I find particularly irritating. But her treatment of this material is impeccable (one track with scat only!), and highlights the exceptional writing of the Gershwins. Yes, I listened to all 3hrs 15 mins (over a couple of days) and enjoyed almost all of it. I think that merits a five.

I absolutely love this. The songs are beautiful and Ella Fitzgerald's voice is as smooth as honey. I wouldn't be able to understand anyone who can't at least appreciate this album, it may not be your 'thing' but it is undoubtedly one of the best I've listened to so far.

Ella was and is such an amazing vocalist. This captures her doing some classic songs from the American songbook.

So classy. I love her.

Wow, what an album. Ella Fitzgerald has long been considered the pinnacle of jazz vocals, and for good reason. This is just absolutely fantastic. Every track is great, with great arrangements by the Gershwins. Just a great album.

I absolutely love Ella Fitzgerald, but 59 songs is a big ask! How could I ever give this less than 5 stars though? Not gonna happen.

The album (in every release) is much and much too long. Then again Ella Fitzgerald is much too great a singer give anything else than five stars.

The Queen stands above all.

That key year 1959. Ella is like Hendrix, like Dylan, like Bird. Greatness themselves but too many inferior copies dilute. But here, with two of the figures (well three) that make up what was great about American 20th century music - the gershwin’s and Nelson freaking riddle - we see magic.

I hereby thank the stupdi list for reminding me of a) the joy of my favourite singer. b) the reason we have physical albums is as a reminder: to pick them up and say "oh yeah" which streaming doesnt do... even the algo doesnt know I love her more than Nina, somehow. I mean, IYDKMBN... Her voice sooth and smiles swings and cajoles like no other. and then add great material and you have essential listening. A similar Verve late 1990s Ella Fitzgerland 4-disc booklet release was one of my first ever purchases and often played - and I I thought knew her range, but this 4 album collection filled my weekend with new lsitening and much raunchier content that I knew from "the First Lady of Jazz". [Side note that a whole songbook retropective project doesnt quality as an album as much as massive showcase. But Ella deserves the space given!] Yes.. this project shows her (she makes great material shine) but... I detected a lot less of her famous improv (or "scatting" in this collection), but the alternate takes available of one song at least, demonstrates how she can change and lead the style of a song so flexibly - such is mastery and talet combined... This is an easy 5 - its such gold (I cant remember if there are any Louis Armstrong duets - but the "call the whole thing off" version with him is the playful riotous best - seek out the albums "Ella & Louis" and "Ella & Louis again" for that :-), An album I will put on my Christmas list, as, alas/hurrah , 80% of the material was new for me, a long time fan. so yes, I will be lsitening to this one soem more. A lot more. Thsi is a 5+ from me. Its not possible to share in words the comfort, the joy this music brings.

I saw her at the Sydney Opera House in November 1978. She was 61 years old and I remember thinking that she sounded like a teenager. Her voice sounded so young. She was still a big woman ( she shrunk considerably before she died in 1996, aged 79) but she wore a full skirt, about knee-length, and she was fabulous. As for the Gershwins - George was a genius & Ira would have to be one of the 2 or 3 greatest lyricists of his generation. The joy of this collection is as much hearing the songs (usually from Broadway shows) that you are not familiar with, as it is hearing the classics - and there are certainly plenty of those here. And by no means are they all the best versions of these songs that I’ve ever heard. But to have 59 Gershwin tunes collected together for Ella to sing, to the arrangements of Nelson Riddle, was a gift to us all. As indeed was the whole idea of The Great American Songbook - the idea of her manager & the founder of Verve Records, Norman Granz. (Just try to forget that Rod Stewart went anywhere near said Songbook). The highlights for me- the slowed-down version of the belter, Lady Be Good; Love Is Here To Stay - one of Ira’s greatest lyrics; They Can’t Take That Away From Me - the tune we played at my mother’s graveside as the casket was lowered, and too many more to list here. A great collection.

Oh Ella, my favourite jazz singer of all time. I would listen to her sing the phone book. 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. I mean, just listen to "The Man I Love"; it is just so beautiful. Truth be told, I slightly prefer her 1950 Gershwin album (I picked up a reissue copy on vinyl just last week); her voice is a little brighter and the orchestrations a little less cheesy. But this really is a major compendium of some of the greatest popular songs of the 20th century, wonderfully arranged and performed. Absolutely classic, every home should have one.

Nice and soothing. Good for playing in random shuffle whenever you want some jazz. It is waay too long for a single sitting tho

Brutal lo único que no .e gusta es la portada

What a breath of fresh air! The angelic voice of Ella paired with Gershwin’s tunes. I loved being transported back to the time when songs about love and life were sweet and charming. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I felt like I was watching a movie listening to her sing. It reminded me of listening to music with my great grandmother so for that it’s an easy 5 stars.

This album is absolutely beautiful. I mean Ella Fitzgerald is a legend and I see why. The music is angelic, soothing and the perfect background music for when you’re doing something mindless. With that being said, 3 hours is a lot of damn music. I’m trying my best to sit through it because luckily I have time today. But damn, after a while it gets monotonous. Update: I finished the entire thing, I think I’ve made my grandparents proud.

love it!

Beautiful

unbelievably i managed to listen to this whole record today and it was beautiful. Did i zone out occasionally? yes, but i was tight with the vibe the whole time. I know and appreciate that this was groundbreaking when it was released but it's hard to conceptualize. It is amazing to me how in the year of our lord 2024 i am listening to this and it sounds exactly the way vocal jazz is supposed to sound, but that is how Ella has warped out understanding of vocal jazz.

So much music and it’s all soo good! These are like all the best recordings of these songs. Her voice is so great and the arrangements are really good. I loved “ just another Rhumba”

She is the goat, these are legendary songs and the arrangements are cool

I could listen to this every day for the rest of my life

What a treat! Ella singing the Gershwin tunes.

An amazing listen. Took three days of bike commutes to get through it; and I got asked what I was playing multiple times.

Great sound, some fantastic classics in the album.

Not a big fan of jazz vocals until now. Awesome band behind her.

Not really my typical style of music but truly an Album You Must Hear Before You Die!

What a singer. It sounds like she inhabits every word

Outstanding

Truly the GOAT of swing vocals. 10/10

Simply incredible.

I’m going to be honest, I just didn’t have time to listen to all 3 hours of this compilation. But what I did hear was truly excellent.

I love Ella, and this album is a must listen!

This album, and the collected sets of Fitzgerald's "songbooks," are canonical in modern popular music. Ella's songbooks are the first, encyclopedic recordings of American Songbook. Ella's incredible voice may have been the only up to this task - a first complete draft of the American Songbook. This collection of fifty-eight songs of the Gershwins was the last installment of her "songbooks." It is beautiful collection of songs, with Ella's voice accompanied by a talented, rich orchestra.

I see Gershwin and Fitzgerald and I’m happy.

I got rhythm was amazing. The entire album was soothing and was great background music while I worked.

I mean, c'mon, it's the Queen of Jazz. A timeless voice that only gets better with more listens.

Chick can sing.

What a voice

Interesting that most of the criticisms of this album on here reference the length but the current Spotify link pulls a shorter compilation album. I agree with many reviewers that a best of compilation album is not very fair and decided to click over to the 3 hour original. As you can see from my other reviews, I am predisposed to dislike albums much over an hour long and this definitely fits the "way too long" bill. Also, I usually take points off for extensive use of covers, and this is essentially a cover album. At the same time, if aliens came down from space and we needed had to show them what music is and wanted to be sure it wouldn't get us obliterated, we'd have to pick Ella Fitzgerald. Sure, it's old and it's jazz and that's not a lot of people's thing, but she has the greatest voice to ever exist. 5s for all 3 hours!

Ella's voice is enchanting. And the songbook is a classic. Two thumbs up!

Pure talent

Ella is the GOAT - no further comments 🫡

It's good

Never a bad day when listening to Lady Ella. She had an amazing singing voice and way to turn a tune.

so joyful. takes my heart out for a walk in the park.

Legendary songbook, sung by the only one I could listent to all day, forever and ever.

Cool

Wow, this is Ella at her best! I'm loving it! She is perfect, the orchestra is stellar! I wrote a longer review and saved it, but it didn't save. Bummer. I don't have time today to recreate it. Summary: Another for 10 stars.

Fabulous!!

I didn’t think I would possibly make it through three hours, but turns out it’s impossible to turn off the perfect voice. When the album was done I didn’t know what else to do but start it over. Maybe it was just the right time/right place, but it was an absolute pleasure to listen to this. If this one seems daunting, at least listen to the first section.

Wow, what a voice!

Was a little intimidated by the 3+ hour run time, but it's absolutely worth it. Every song is fun and soothing, sweet and a little goofy

One to return to!

Day 1 and off to a great start with this wonderful album

Now this is music. Amazing album with high quality songwriting, arrangements and performance by one of the best. Loved it.

I mean. Ella Fitzgerald. Rating this feels silly. It's like rating feelings or time. Am I really rating this against Red Hot Chili Peppers? 😂

Absolutely fabulous. The beautiful voice of Ella Fitzgerald and the timeless music of Gerswin. What a combo. Brilliant

Perfection, from the arrangements to Ella’s vocals.

Absolutely beautiful

Her voice is what people hear in heaven

What a voice! Beautiful 4/5

Muitooo bom de verdade, que voz boa que ritmo que som em. Amei.

Classic beautiful voice. Great songs.

George and Ira’s lyrics and compositions combined with Ella’s beautifully controlled voice (no scatting here) was perfect.

Beautiful!

3 hours 14 minutes??? Good gravy. This is all lovely but that's A LOT of anyone to listen to.

Ella Fitzgerald's voice can make any song a delight. This was no exception.

I’m obviously going to love this, but I don’t know that I have 3 1/2 hours to dedicate to it. Agree with others that a best of should not be eligible.

Now THIS is music! Songs by one of America's greatest composers, rendered by one of America's greatest singers with strength and subtlety.

What a voice

Вау!

One of the best albums I have ever listened to

Ella is fantastic. Gershwin is fantastic. Ella doing the Gershwin songbook - double fantastic. I get that there’s a 3 hour version, if that’s not your thing listen to the best of the best album that the site links you to. It’s 40 minutes of great music.

Its hard to overstate how classic this is.

Masterpiece!

Good Ella, you're so wonderful once and a while, but not a whole album long

Gotta love Ella

Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is incredible! Likely heard some of her music as a kid but certainly didn’t appreciate what a gift she was at that time. Throughly enjoyed this album, her clearly beautiful vocals are so soothing and totally on key with every note.

Great for relaxing!!

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!! Ella Fitzgerald could sing the phone book and it would be Epic!! A voice of the Ages!! George Gershwin was an Incredible song writing Genius!! Hearing Ella sing his works was A Breath of Fresh Air…. I would give it 10 or 20 stars!!⭐️ Musical 🎶 Theater at its Finest!!

EXCELLENT!! Ella could sing the phone book and it would be Epic! ADD to That George Gershwin's music and it's a marriage made in heaven for my ears....I would give it 10 stars or More!! I LOVE Music Theater and this is the very Best of the Best!!

What can I say? Ella. Gershwin. Brings out what little old soul I possess.

4.5 4.1 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.5

I’d play this one again. Good vibe for yesterday too.

No había escuchado música de este tipo pero me gustó mucho.

Liked it alot Great for dinner parties and a glass of wine

Immaculate songwriting paired with divine singing.

Sehr schön

One of the greatest female vocalists of all time for any genre

This was great. You have to love Ella.

Beautiful voice!

Beautiful voice, and you can't go wrong with the classic song selection!

The best of her day! All other interpreters of Gershwin songbook that follow try to live up to Ella!

Beautiful songs - and what a voice!

Beautiful music sung by a beautiful voice. What a pleasure to listen to!

Ella's voice is exemplary. I hope she had a well-lived life as free from racism as possible, given the time she lived

Absolute gas, 9.9/10 -.1 bc I don’t love the beedoodumdadee stuff in the first song but that’s literally the only thing I have to say

yup!

Should you ever want to transport yourself into an old world cocktail jazz bar complete with timeless lyric and lush but personal vocal delivery, this is your pick. I dare you not to get lost in soulful nostalgia.

this is only a small sample of ella's entire collection of recordings done of the gershwin songbook, or the great american songbook, a collection of, you guessed it, american written tracks from a century ago. this "best of" album is more than enough to show me just how talented and vocally beautiful ella fitzgerald is, every track is so pleasant to the ears... ella could literally sing some of the vilest darkest heavy metal tracks and she'll sing it in such a way that'll make you curl up in bed and daydream.

I'm quite fond of Ella Fitzgerald so I love to listen to her.

Finally songs to my taste! Such an iconic voice.

Jazz del de antes y vinilo para ahora.

It's Ella Fitzgerald. She's amazing. Full stop. I'll be listening to more of this.

It was a beautiful album to hear so many years later

Chilled vibes

Obviously I love it

The inclusion of something that was originally released as a 5xLP + 7” as an album seems a bit dubious to me. That being said this was an absolute delight to listen to, all of it. Ella Fitzgerald is obviously amazing and the Gershwin Songbook is ingrained in our culture at this point as standards. It’s a beautiful recording of beautiful versions of all of these. I still wouldn’t call this an “album” but it’s kind of hard to give it anything less than 5 stars.

She is so wonderful. It's a good album, but if I were making this list I'd include her singing tracks other than Gershwin.

Only could find "The Very Best of The Gershwin Songbook" which was 12 songs, not the entire 59-song set. But it is some of the very best of its genre.

Was ok

The legendary Ella Fitzgerald recorded and released 8 massive albums comprising works by 8 different songwriters to make the Great American Songbook Collection. It's like the OG version of Sufjan Stevens' 50 states project. This album, and yes it was recorded and released as an album not a compilation, is 59 songs and over 3 hours of swoony, croony, and sometimes loony tunes that showcase the exuberant composition and wordplay of the Gershwin bros and the one of a kind pipes of Lady Ella. There is an abridged Best Of version available, if you're trying to put a time limit on your dinner party. Drop that needle, pour that glass of wine, tap them toes, and enjoy the dulcet tones with some stimulating conversation.

Awesome 50s style music. Very chill, very swanky. Great Sunday music

Nice change of pace

Beautiful, Ella has the classic voice.

A gift

hey look, you've got one of the greatest singers of all time singing some of the best songwriting of all time, arranged by one of the most iconic jazz arrangers of all time. this stuff hits. my only knock is that the entire album is... LONG. it is a COMMITMENT. but it's worth it. you're listening to the best of vocal jazz.

Amazing voice and great tunes to show it off

What a wonderful album to listen to. Top quality writing and production, with sublime vocals.

Sick!

Perfect!

Dat Blue Skies remix tho? Quality singing all the way through.

1959. This album made me so happy! It was perfect, easy listening while I was working.

This was a favorite! It will go into regular rotation.

Absolutely magical and relaxing. These songs and her vocal are iconic and evoke memories that we thought we never had.

Always love a jazz album and it's no wonder that Ella Fitzgerald is the jazz icon that she is. Her soothing voice makes you forget about your day transporting you into the song, completely captivating. This album is absolutely a staple in the history books of music and deservedly so.

Absolutely perfect

Why would anyone listen to selections from her double album Ella Fitzgerald Sings The George and Ira Gerswhin Song Book? This rating is for the original double album, not this unnecessary, condensed take.

just doesn't really get better than this aye

4 sides - 59 songs. Didn't listen to the whole thing but of course it's good. "The mono album was priced at $25 (equivalent to $251 in 2022) and the stereo at $30 (equivalent to $301 in 2022).". 5.0

Classic.

i absolutely love ella and everything she's ever sang. to me, one of the most beautiful voices ever.

Good vibes, very calm

Ella Fitzgerald is always gonna slap. 5/5

9/10

A generational voice,

N/A via Spotify

There is nothing bad about this compliation

обожаю

I've never really listened to this genre, but I absolutely love it now. Ella Fitzgerald is legendary.

Timeless.

calming and just listened to it and work got done

Can’t believe I had never listened to Ella Fitzgerald, instantly a favorite jazz musician. Loved this album.

Well, I was not familiarized with Ella Fitzgerald's game, and now I'm facing consequences of it. The music is not really up my alley, but the way Ella is singing on this album is extraordinary. Powerful, yet very subtle at time. At some point you forget about instruments and just focus on her. The album is pretty long, especially if you will look at all the Gershwin songs, but I can promise you all, I will come back to this album again and again. Looks like even a vinyl might be a good idea, if there is any cheap ones available! Really great music.

It's Ella, 'nuff said.

p41. 1959. 5 stars. One of THE great voices on absolute top form, with one of THE great arrangers, working together on one of THE great songwriters. What's not to like? Pure heaven.

Es una presipsu este disco de la GRAN Ella

Lovely stuff, what a voice, superb arrangements, what’s not to like. Reminded me of childhood, watching black and white films on a Sunday afternoon with my mum. I went online to see how much it was and it’s currently unavailable. Grrrrr.

Jazz del de antes y vinilo para ahora.

Ella-Ella-Ella Fitz-Gera-Gera-Gera-ld. with Gersh for the win.

YES

ELLA!! All these classic songs done in that cool style of hers! A fun listen, a great way to start the day

A once in ever kind of talent

Album 35 of 1001 Ella Fitzgerald - The Very Best of The Gershwin Song Book Favorite Track : Rating : 5 / 5 As I am listening to the full 1001 Album playlist from beginning to end as I also use the album a day generator, I knew there would come a point where my daily album would be one that I've already listened to in the playlist. This is the first. As is the plan, I will listen again and by the end I should have heard all of these twice. This is a very relaxing album. Many songs I'm already familiar with being sang by a legendary voice. You can't deny perfection, even when it may not be your most preferred style of music. Awesome listen.

If I were to describe this album in one word that word would be "pure". The vocals are crystal clear and gentle, the instrumentals are soothing, everything is just perfect.

Combine two of the greatest and most talented American jazz artists who ever lived, Ella Fitzgerald and George Gershwin, and you get this masterpiece of an album. I used to listen to Ella all the time but hadn't enjoyed her sparkling voice on these new cans yet so thanks for that!

While I should have been bored by the three hour and fourteen minute album, this was nothing but great music throughout. Wonderful album.

The type of music that deserves 5 stars. Perfect voice, beautiful orchestration. Timeless

I would listen to Ella sing the phone book. While I wish there were more upbeat, jazzy tunes here, it's still such lush listening.

I love, love, LOVE Ella Fitzgerald’s voice. I could listen to her recite, in a singing voice, all the junk emails I get, announce play-by-play of waiting in queues at the airport on a holiday during a winter storm delay, or even take lead on Wilco’s Being There. So soothing. I don’t want to go over the top, but her voice may very well be my favorite in music. The other contenders from the first 493 albums would be would be Aretha Franklin, Mariam Makeba, Adele, and Joni Mitchell. My favorite multi-vocals are Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young though. Those harmonies do me in. But favorite solo voice? Ella and Adele lead the way. I could do without the instrumental pieces on this album. I’m confused as to why they are on an Ella Fitzgerald album. Regardless, this album is a home run, all 3 hours of it.

Unsure if this was supposed to be the entire Songbook as the text says, or just the Greatest Hits as the picture showed. Luckily, I love Ella, so I was perfectly happy to listen to the entire book. I tend to prefer my jazz without vocals, but I'll ALWAYS make an exception for Ella. She and her velvety voice are perfect.

Magnifiques histoires. Ambiance réconfortante. Chargé émotivement. Très cinématographique par moments.

The combination of Ella's vocals and the arrangements is perfect.

Amazing, wonderful, absolute slay from front to back

Ella has such an incredible voice. 4.7

Some of the best songs ever written, sung by one of the best ever singers.

I confess I did not listen to the full 3 hour version, but to the "best of" version. That said, I did grow up hearing the whole set of this (as well as the Cole Porter Songbook). Ella's versions of these songs are so iconic that to me they are the definitive versions of Gershwin's work. While this is very very long, and I'm not sure I would ever listen to it all in a sitting, it absolutely deserves its place on this list and Ella's voice is just pristine. Can't give Ella less than 5/5, ever.

I am so thankful for this 1001 album project for the way it’s got me listening to Ella Fitzgerald.

How can this be anything other than a 5?

The compositions are timeless. The arrangements and definitely the tempos are a little disappointing. But we're not kidding anyone. The First Lady owns everything she touches. It's not her best and leaves out her improvisational whiz, but it's way above anyone else...

Jazz del de antes y vinilo para ahora

It’s really incredible how her voice is both traditionally beautiful but has such a similar tone to a clarinet that it doubles as instrumental as well. Best of the best

Incredible vocals and I loved the lyrics

Lovely songs. Amazing voice. Textbook. Didn’t get a chance to listen to all 3 hours, but will return for the rest.

Beautiful singing of some classic songs. As expected!

I honestly didn't know much of Gershwin besides the Rhapsody In Blue. That's amazing and Fitzgerald just makes it better. I think that just Ella singing would have conquered me. And also just Gershwin sung by someone else. So that's a jackpot

Ella's voice is, quite frankly amazing. Gershwin's songs are amazing. Sure, the whole of this album is twee and predictable, but that's because this has set the standard by which it is judged. It is the alpha to a vast array of artists and performers, and the inspiration for music way beyond what's on this platter. Unashamed in its commerciality, this is probably the epitome of crowd-pleasing musical standards.

Can't knock the queen

Inigualable, simplemente una de las mejores cantantes de todos los tiempos

4.5/5 very nice 50s jazz

Listens: 1 Enjoyed: yes 4 tracks in and I'm listening to 'Lets call the whole thing off' before I'm hooked and stop questioning if I can do 3 hours. There's something so relaxing within this music. Ella's voice is insane and the majority of the writing is fantastic

Ella is one of the greatest to do it, so this is obviously an amazing album. Beautiful vocal performances

Ella Fitzgerald is the greatest jazz vocalist. Gershwin also happens to be my favorite composer so this album (or box set) was quite a treat. While it is over 3 hours long, it was absolutely wonderful. This is one of those bodies of work that should be preserved for future generations

Love this one.

The queen. five stars.

Eso que dicen de que un clásico es algo que no se puede hacer mejor.

Fantastic songs and such a beautiful voice. She lives up to the height as one of the greatest jazz singers

Unbelievable

Hugljúf gæsahúð, drottning.

Started by listening to the ‘Very Best’ and then spent the weekend listening to all three hours of the full songbook. Really wonderful - great to spend so much time with her voice. I haven’t listened to a ton of Ella so I enjoyed the deep dive. She has such a soothing voice. But there’s also a playfulness and a flirtatiousness about some of her performances (“Fascinating Rhythm”). A lot of these lyrics are fun and funny, and she knows how to bring out the jokes with a wink and a smile. But when the songs call for it, she brings a mature seductiveness to her singing (“Oh, Lady Be Good,” “Someone To Watch Over Me”). Man, these songs are so good. Great clean, classic pop songwriting. And the lyrics have a wonderful wit and humor. And the big band behind her?! Incredible. I love that full orchestra sound. A lot of gems but these were ones that stood out to me (including some stellar versions of absolute classics): “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Oh, Lady Be Good,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Things Are Looking Up,” “They All Laughed” (I love this song so much), “My Cousin in Milwaukee,” “He Loves and She Loves,” “Treat Me Rough,” “Slap That Bass,” “Isn’t it a Pity,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” (at our wedding, we danced to the version with Louis Armstrong for our first dance so the song has a special place in my heart - this version is a little different, cool to hear), “Funny Face,” “I Got Rhythm” (oooh the scatting in this! 💃)

Just absolutely beautiful. Probably my favorite or one of my favorite jazz vocalists. My favorite moments: Track 2 - "Oh, Lady Be Good" - the crazy emotional chord at the end of the song right at 3:46, under the lyric "to". All of "Love is Here to Stay" All of "But Not For Me". Not a bad song on the album. Easy 5/5

A classic :)

ELLA :]]]]]

Precioso :) Un masaje para el cerebro.

Excellent tracks! Ella is a master of her craft.

There is nothing not to like about this collection. Ella Fitzgerald is always on point.

I mean, what can you say about Gershwin that hasn't been said a million times before. His songs are timeless classics and to listen to an album of them sung by Ella Fitzgerald is a huge treat for the ears.

I couldn't help but love this. Ella's voice is so smooth, and the music itself was so lush. I have to admit that melodically, this wouldn't normally be my thing. However, Ella's vocal delivery sold me and I was happily whisked away to another time and place.

It’s Ella Fitzgerald

An incredible voice and performer, glad I got to listen to this whole album.

Ella is a beast. Just a straight up great singer and an easy album to listen to

"Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book" is a collection 59 songs written and composed by George and Ira Gershwin, sung by Ella Fitzgerald and music performed by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. It is one of eight albums in the "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Complete American Songbook" series which was recorded between 1956 and 1964 after Ella signed with Verve Records. The songs were written by the Gershwin Brothers between 1924 and 1937 with Ira changing the lyrics on some of the songs especially for Ella. This is quite the listen. Obviously when named "The Queen of Jazz," you'd expect pretty much perfection and that her vocals are. Since these songs were mostly written for musicals and film scores, they switch between big-band loud sounding, kind of fun and playful, and slow and romantic.The first song with lyrics on the album is "Sam and Delilah" originally from the 1931 musical "Girl Crazy" and sung by Ethel Merman. This song starts out slow and sultry and turns more big band loud sounding. Ella glides us threw with her incredible voice and especially her pacing. She reminded me of Frank Sinatra in the way they both know how to play with the timing and music. "But Not For Me" is also from "Girl Crazy" and is soft and slow-paced with strings. Great vocals and, oh, it won the 1960 Grammy for best female performance. Another great song for showcasing her silky smooth voice is "Oh, Lady Be Good," originally from the Broadway musical of the same name. This album is a lot of music. All of it is worth listening to, showcasing an incredible vocal talent. For some reason, I feel like watching a musical or going to the theater. Well, maybe sometime soon.

Fantastic. Easy listening from an elegant female singer that invented du wap.

Perfect. Classic in the best possible way.

What a beautiful album

Beautiful

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.

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!

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.

'SWonderful

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.

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

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

Very smooth and relaxing

Beautiful album!

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

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.

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

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.

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

Beautiful voice

"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.

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

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

E.xellent

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

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.

A lovely listening experience :) What a voice!

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.

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

Great album nothing more nothing less

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.

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.

Standouts - Love Is Here To Stay; But Not For Me Very mellow jazz Great singing

Ella . Gershwin. Music doesn't get much more perfect than this. Ella's voice is otherworldly. My only complaint I would love to hear these songs arranged for a small combo. Note. My rating is for a vinyl copy I have if Volume 1, not the full 3 volume box set 5 stars

Elegantly composed music, sung by an exquisite singer

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

Fantastic, soulful voice

Ella is the queen.

Really liked it! Lovely voice.

Amazing

ella's probably has one of the greatest voices ever. her tone is impeccable.

If I could only listen to one artist for the rest of my life Ella Fitzgerald would be way up in the running. I discovered her music as a teenager & she’s seen me through the good & the bad for 40+ years. The combination of Fitzgerald’s voice & the music of Gershwin is what Sunday afternoons were made for. Just stunning.

Great voice. Great music.

“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

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.

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.

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

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

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

ella good

Come on. It's one of the most recognizable voices in history doing some of the most catchy, melodic, enjoyable music ever written. How can you realistically do better?

Beautiful Record. Listened to it back to back five or six times.

If you had to give one best example of 20th century American song writing, this would probably be it.