Artist: Ella Fitzgerald Album: Ella Sings Broadway

Year: 1963
Duration: 0:0-1

Ella Sings Broadway: A Critical Review of the Album

Ella Fitzgerald is an iconic figure in the world of jazz. As one of the most renowned singers in history, she has sung with some of the greatest musicians of her time. One of her many masterpieces is the album Ella Sings Broadway. Released in 1963, the album features Ellas’s renditions of popular Broadway show tunes. Today we’ll be taking a closer look at this album, its history, the music genre, and of course, the best songs of the album.

Ella Sings Broadway is a compilation of classics that span across several decades. The album showcases Ella’s versatility as she flawlessly transforms each song to fit her own unique style. Ella Fitzgerald's career started in the 1930s while working with the Chick Webb Orchestra label. Her incredible voice and incredible range catapulted her into the world of jazz music. She quickly became a household name and continued her success through the 50s, 60s and beyond.

The genre of the album is Broadway music. Although Ella Fitzgerald had her roots in jazz, she had an affinity for the American songbook. The likes of Cole Porter and George Gershwin were among her favored composers and influenced a lot of the music found on the album. The album comes alive through the captivating scatting interludes and the lively instrumental solos.

The best songs on the album include The Lady is a Tramp, Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered, My Funny Valentine, and A Ship Without a Sail. Each song gives you a different insight into Ella’s vocal range. From her soulful phrasing to her flawless scatting, Ella showcases her perfect sense of pitch and delivery.

What makes Ella Sings Broadway so innovative is Ella's use of her voice to make each song unique. Ella’s voice truly resonates in the space between the music and creates a whole new sound that is quintessentially Ella. She brings a fresh energy to each song and takes it to new heights. This ability to innovate and experiment is what made Ella Fitzgerald a legend in the music industry.

While the album is a must-have for any jazz lover, it does have some critical points. The arrangements could be a bit more lively, and the production could be more polished. Nevertheless, none of these detract from the album’s shine, and it must be noted that Ella’s voice and innovation more than merely offset any minor flaws.

Ella Fitzgerald truly made a statement with Ella Sings Broadway. Her talent and innovation in the world of music remain unparalleled and continue to inspire musicians today. This album is a timeless masterpiece that despite recording it nearly six decades ago, remains a classic until this day. Ella Sings Broadway is an excellent representation of the jazz genre, a showcase of her impeccable talent, and a treasure that will be cherished for generations to come.

Ella Fitzgerald truly made a statement with Ella Sings Broadway. Her talent and innovation in the world of music remain unparalleled and continue to inspire musicians today. This album is a timeless masterpiece that despite recording it nearly six decades ago, remains a classic until this day. Ella Sings Broadway is an excellent representation of the jazz genre, a showcase of her impeccable talent, and a treasure that will be cherished for generations to come.