Album Reviews

Originally released as a double LP back in 1956, Ella Fitzerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book was both the first of her eight "songbook" albums and the first release on Norman Granz's then brand new Verve Records (MG V-4001/2).

This release from Analog Spark celebrates the much celebrated album's 60th anniversary. As with previous re-issues from this label, the production spares no expense to do it correctly, including spreading the thirty two songs over three RTI-pressed records instead of the original's two. Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound cut lacquers from the original mono master tapes.

The original's gatefold gives way to a nicely produced laminated cover box set, with the annotation formerly in the original's gatefold now well-printed in the box's insides. The artwork reproduction is perfect.

Thirty two songs were recorded live with orchestra in three sessions at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, February 7- 9 and March 27th 1956.

The elegant classics, filled with both Porter's melodic and lyrical genius —familiar to just about everyone, almost regardless of age (or so I like to think!— include "Just One of Those Things", "Begin the Beguine", "From This Moment On", "I Get a Kick Out of You", "Too Darned Hot", "Night and Day" "Let's Do It" and "You Do Something to Me".

While many stage show and movie songs do best in context, these Porter classics obviously do not. Strung together they produce a joyous look back at an era of sophisticated popular musical culture that was at the same time accessible to all.

Granz spared no expense in giving Fitzgerald the lush backdrops both she and the songs deserve, using a big band and when appropriate a small (but large sounding) string section. All of the arrangements were by Buddy Bregman, who also conducted.

Sonically this was never a great sounding production. While it was recorded at Capitol, for some reason it lacks the depth and warmth of Sinatra and Nat "King" Cole records of that era. Ella's voice is certainly cleanly presented but it's somewhat bright and occasionally harsh. Perhaps it was the wrong microphone?

The original pressing is of course more "tubey" because the entire chain was so. By comparison this reissue sounds far more transparent, with blacker backgrounds and a great deal more detail but it also can sound hard and bright if you turn it up too high.

The original no matter what you do to it will sound warm and on one level easier on the ears, but it's also clogged and "colored" in an old-fashioned way. I'm not sure if Ryan K. Smith just ran the tape flat or if he applied some EQ. in my system at least, a bit of high frequency shaving might have made for a more pleasant sound.

Still, given the choice between the original and the reissue, it's like an Iranian revolution: a hundred veils are lifted! For Ella fans, this is easy to recommend. Ella singing Cole Porter will put a spring in your step!

Not yet available but coming soon.