This CD from Denmark's Jazz Unlimited label spotlights NBC radio broadcasts of Ella Fitzgerald's performances at Savoy Ballroom in New York's Harlem section on January 22 and 25, 1940. At the time, a 22-year-old Fitzgerald was still leading the remnants of Chick Webb's orchestra, and she was still singing in a voice that was girlish and a bit nasal. The vocalist was huge in 1940, although her best work was yet to come. About half of the time, Fitzgerald lays out -- allowing the orchestra to do its thing on such exuberant ...
Read More
This CD from Denmark's Jazz Unlimited label spotlights NBC radio broadcasts of Ella Fitzgerald's performances at Savoy Ballroom in New York's Harlem section on January 22 and 25, 1940. At the time, a 22-year-old Fitzgerald was still leading the remnants of Chick Webb's orchestra, and she was still singing in a voice that was girlish and a bit nasal. The vocalist was huge in 1940, although her best work was yet to come. About half of the time, Fitzgerald lays out -- allowing the orchestra to do its thing on such exuberant instrumentals as "Limehouse Blues," "Diga Diga Doo," "Break 'Em Down," and "Traffic Jam." Fitzgerald's performances, meanwhile, are generally enjoyable -- she's in decent form on "Vagabond Dreams," "This Changing World," and "A Lover Is Blue," although a dumb, cornball novelty item like "I Want the Waiter With the Water" is unworthy of her talents. Much like Billie Holiday, Fitzgerald had the misfortune of being saddled with some unbearable novelty songs when she was starting out -- both singers, however, were able to abandon such schlock as their careers progressed. Thankfully, bad novelty items only account for a fraction of the material on this CD. Although not essential and not recommended to casual listeners, The Radio Years: 1940 is a generally likable disc that will interest historians and seasoned Fitzgerald aficionados. And the sound quality is quite good for 78-era recordings. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Radio Years 1940 to cart. $23.76, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Storyville Records.
