When Norman Granz brought two major jazz stars into the recording studio for the first time together in 1956, the results were never going to be less than enjoyable. Sure enough, the three albums Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong recorded together proved to be highly popular and remain so to this day. The three albums are represented here along with 12 bonus tracks.

The first session, recorded in 1956, features The Oscar Peterson Trio backing the two vocalists, with Louis’ trumpet providing a little extra colour and drummer Buddy Rich as the final ingredient.

The second session, from a year later, saw the same faces back in the studio again apart from Buddy Rich. He was replaced by Louie Bellson, like his predecessor a man who made his name as a powerful drummer in Big Bands. He was also similar to Rich in that his subtlety was exemplary when the situation demanded, as is evident here.

The third album is “Porgy And Bess” was recorded in 1957. It was released to coincide with a 1959 movie version of the acclaimed musical, but exceeded it in longevity and honors. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, thanks to a special Grammy award established in 1973 for recordings at least 25 years old that have qualitative or historical significance.

This is a fantastic collection from two of jazz musics biggest stars. The discs are clean. The jewel case is clean and intact. I have personally listened to the discs and they play flawlessly.

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