ELLA FITZGERALD AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG: ELLA & LOUIS AGAIN

Performer: Louis Armstrong, trumpet and vocals; Ella Fitzgerald, vocals; Louie Bellson, drums; Ray Brown, bass; Herb Ellis, guitar; Oscar Peterson, piano
Composer: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Number of discs: 2
Barcode: 0602435971988
Label: Analogue Productions
Format: LP
Genre: Jazz
Year: 2022

A stunning new release in the Verve / Universal Music Enterprises reissue series curated by Acoustic Sounds

At least one new release each month featuring the most iconic albums of great jazz

Remastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original analog masters

2 x 180-gram LPs pressed at Quality Record Pressings

Gatefold tip-on jacket in vintage style produced by Stoughton Printing

Series supervised by Chad Kassem, CEO of Acoustic Sounds

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound

“Once again (so to speak) Pops and the First Lady of Song seem to be singing right in the room, right in front of you. (When I recently played Ella & Louis for a friend who is a prominent jazz critic, he literally jumped and then compared the experience to ‘an acid trip’)… their thrilling ride through ‘Autumn in New York’ on Ella & Louis Again is one of those essential artifacts of American civilization.”
Fred Kaplan, www.stereophile.com, August 10, 2012

“… these are all truly classic Verve titles that cannot be missed… most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astonishing. Especially the early mono records of Billie and Ella are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I would ask Santa for the whole series, or, if you want to pick, the most classic titles. Whatever your choice, you should at least have half a dozen!”
Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, Nov/Dec 2011 – Winner, Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award 2012

There is little to say about an album titled Ella And Louis Again. The “again” obviously refers to their previous collaboration, and apart from that, what can one say about two legends like Ella and Louis? It is hard to imagine anyone who loves music today and does not know Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The backing by the Oscar Peterson Trio, with Louie Bellson replacing Buddy Rich on drums, remains understated, swinging, and supportive, just like on the first album.

Originally released in 1957, Ella and Louis Again features Louis Armstrong, trumpet and vocals; Ella Fitzgerald, vocals; Louie Bellson, drums; Ray Brown, bass; Herb Ellis, guitar; Oscar Peterson, piano.

Producer Norman Granz had a stroke of genius signing the jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong for his Verve label. The duo, hailed by critics as “a match made in heaven,” take the microphone for Ella And Louis Again, the follow-up to the acclaimed 1956 Ella and Louis. Ella’s radiant, warm, honey-sweet voice and Louis’s gritty, husky croon create a sound rich in commercial and artistic appeal.

The album is backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio, with Louie Bellson replacing Buddy Rich on drums. Comprising ten tracks, it includes seven solo vocal performances and three duets. Unlike the first album or the later Porgy and Bess, Ella and Louis Again focuses more on the singers’ voices rather than Louis’s trumpet solos, and it does not feature a big band. This approach places the voices of the two icons front and center, allowing them to perform in perfect black-and-white contrast. Nevertheless, the Oscar Peterson Trio provides a solid rhythmic foundation, praised by AllMusic’s Alex Henderson as a “rock-solid rhythm section.”

Ella and Louis Again is recognized as an important installment in what could be considered one of the most iconic jazz trilogies of all time.

Musicians:
Louis Armstrong, trumpet and vocals
Ella Fitzgerald, vocals
Louie Bellson, drums
Ray Brown, bass
Herb Ellis, guitar
Oscar Peterson, piano

Side A

1. Don’t Be That Way
2. Makin’ Whoopee
3. They All Laughed
4. Comes Love
5. Autumn In New York

Side B

1. Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love)
2. Stompin’ At The Savoy
3. I Won’t Dance
4. Gee, Baby, Ain’t I Good To You?

Side C

1. Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off
2. These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)
3. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
4. Willow Weep For Me
5. I’m Puttin’ All My Eggs In One Basket

Side D

1. A Fine Romance
2. Ill Wind
3. Love Is Here To Stay
4. I Get A Kick Out Of You
5. Learnin’ The Blues