Ella Fitzgerald The Lost Berlin Tapes

Ella Fitzgerald
The Lost Berlin Tapes
Verve

"The Lost Berlin Tapes" is a previously unissued Ella Fitzgerald recording that came from Verve Records founder Norman Granz's private collection. It was recorded at Berlin's Sportpalast on March 25, 1962, with Ella accompanied by the trio of pianist Paul Smith, Wilfred Middlebrooks on bass, and Stan Levey on drums. It was recorded a little over two years after the February 1960 concert that became one of her best-known and best-selling records, the Grammy Award winning "Mack The Knife: Ella in Berlin."

Ella is in good spirits here and with little duplication of the earlier Berlin show ("Summertime" and "Mack the Knife"). Things kick off with a spirited "Cheek to Cheek" with an appreciative audience evident throughout. She playfully incorporates the names of Sinatra, Eckstine, Belafonte, Perry Como, Count Basie, and others into the lyrics of "My Kind of Boy." The accompaniment is sublime as expected, and even a drum solo from Levey on "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!" There are songs associated with Julie London ( a dramatic "Cry Me a River"), Ray Charles (a playful "Hallelujah, I Love Him So"), and Billie Holiday ("Good Morning Heartache")."

Particular favorite selections include the ebullient "Jersey Bounce," with her scintillating scatting; the thoughtful "Someone to Watch Over Me," and "Taking a Chance on Love," where Smith's dazzling accompaniment matches her horn-like phrasing. Others will undoubtedly find other selections to be of equal or greater appeal. Let listeners be thankful that we have this marvelous new addition to Ella's discography.

I received a download to review from a publicist. Here is Mack the Knife" from this recording.