Luscious, fantastic Ella!

Whether one is a fan of Ella before listening to these songs, or not, you will DEFINITELY be one after listening. Her diction, smooth, luscious singing of all of these songs is unique, only a tiny part of the reason that Ella is the Queen of Jazz singing. If you are new to listening to Ella, this compilation of songs is THE way to be introduced to this wonderful songstress. Her sweetness and sincerity glows out of each word and phrase. She truly belongs to the Ages, and as long as ANYone is listening to Jazz singing, there will never be anyone to outshine her! BUY THIS COMPILATION while you can!

Great box set, great music

The 4 disc set "The Legendary Decca Recordings" is a fantastic collection of 80 songs that Ella Fitzgerald recorded while at Decca records. The earliest material dates from 1938 and goes up to 1955. Let me first state that there is not a bad song in this collection. Some of what you'll hear are standards, some will be lesser known or maybe totally unknown songs, but everything is thoroughly enjoyable. The sound quality is incredible; this material is 45-60 years old, but it might as well have been recorded yesterday. I'm not kidding, it's that good.

Disc one is entitled "The Very Best Of Ella" and contains songs picked as favorites by Milt Gabler, Ella's Decca producer. This disc contains a really wild song called "Stone Cold Dead in the Market" a Calypso-flavored number about a woman who kills her abusive husband. Great song, and chances are you've never heard it before. Disc two is entitled "Ella & Friends," and featured duets with Louis Armstrong, the Ink Spots, Louis Jordan, the Delta Rhythm Boys, and the Mills Brothers. This disc has a good deal of excellent standards. Disc three is entitled "Ella Sings Gershwin & Others" and features works by Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, etc. Disc four is entitled "Ella & The Arrangers," and features works arranged by Gordon Jenkins and Andre Previn, among others and also features many standards.

All these discs come, fittingly, in a large and sturdy glossy cardboard case, not the usual plastic double-cd holders. You also get a full-sized paperback book with info on the songs and Ella's tenure at Decca. The whole package is artfully done, and was obviously put together with a good deal of work and care. If you love Ella Fitzgerald, jazz, or listening to classic American songs sung by one of the greats, get this set; you'll enjoy every minute of it.