At last – three vital Ella Fitzgerald Songbook compilations

Readers tempted by weak recent wannabe renditions of the Great American Songbook who now feel ready to explore the grown-up real thing will be tempted by a trio of marvellous new Ella Fitzgerald compilation albums.

As well as the magnificent new compendium, Ella Fitzgerald, Very Best Of The Songbooks 2CD, issued last week, they can look forward to two budget priced compilations on 19 March pulled from the best Songbook recordings, covering the great work of Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers.

The new releases fill a glaring gap in the Ella catalogue – single disc compilations from The Duke Ellington (Day Dream: best of the Duke Ellington Songbook) and the Gershwin sessions (Oh Lady Be Good: best of the Gershwin Songbook) have long been favourites in these parts. But they have highlighted the two obvious gaps in Fitzgerald product, now to be filled.

Kudos: Verve!



Gerry Smith