A Great Introduction to a Great Singer

This compilation would be a great introduction for someone just getting to know the music of Ella Fitzgerald (long-time fans may already have many of these recordings in their collections). A standout is the excellent improvised "Mack the Knife" from the Live in Berlin recording (Ellas does a hilarious Louis Armstrong imitation). Other highlights are "Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most", "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead", and Gershwin's "Summertime" (a duet with Louis Armstrong). Ella's amazing mastery of scat singing is displayed well on "Oh, Lady Be Good" and "Cool Breeze." In summary, this is a great sampling of Ella's artistry at the height of her career - in the late '50's and early '60's.