Jazz
Tracks recorded at Juan-Les-Pins, France in July 1966
Duke Ellington Piano
Ella Fitzgerald Vocal
Jimmy Jones Piano
Jim Hughart Bass
Grady Tate Drums
Cat Anderson Trumpet
Mercer Ellington Trumpet
Herbie Jones Trumpet
Lawrence Brown Trombone
Chuck Connors Trombone
Buster Cooper Trombone
Harry Carney Bass
Sam Woodyard Drums
Norman Granz Producer
France has long had a reputation as one of the great hotbeds of live jazz. French jazz enthusiasts are renowned for their passion for and knowledge of the music. As a result, it'svery difficult to find a bad live jazz recording made in France; the audiences simply don't tolerate mediocrity.
Notthat mediocrity was ever an issue with either Ella Fitzgerald or the Duke Ellington Orchestra, whose dynamism as performers and mastery of the genre are legendary. This two-disc set, which captures two sets recorded in the French Riviera resort town of Juan Les Pins in 1966, is one of the best livejazz albums of the '60s. Where most big bands had slid intotired nostalgia by the mid-'60s, Ellington and his cohorts were still exploring. Despite the fact that she had been singing for more than 30 years, Fitzgerald is in exceptional voice. The collaborative chemistry between Fitzgerald and Ellington is, as always, outstanding. |
