DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER - Dear Ella (1997) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Bridgewater's heartfelt tribute to Ella Fitzgerald is a resounding testament not only to the legendary jazz vocal icon, but also to Bridgewater's own faithful singing style, rich in Ella's tonal quality particularly on the high end. Her inflections are also quite natural, rather than self-effacing or forced. Some of the tracks vary in group size, as duo (with Kenny Burrell), trio (with Lou Levy leading on piano), or combo (with Milt Jackson, Antonio Hart, Grady Tate, Slide Hampton, and brother Cecil Bridgewater). Nine of the total 13 cuts have big-band backing, or orchestral settings arranged and conducted by John Clayton. "Midnight Sun" is perhaps the best of all ballads, and here Dee Dee sings with ravishingly lush, near-frightening efficiency. She cops Ella best on "Stairway to the Stars," with the piano trio leading and strings following along. She picks up on Ella's cutesiness for "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," while starting balladic, then swinging well during "Mr Paganini." Brother/trumpeter/arranger Cecil writes a neat call-and-response with horns and the singer on "Undecided," and they wail together in convincing, authentic fashion on "Lady Be Good." Andre Cecceralli, with the trio on "Mack the Knife," adds a dash of contemporary flavor. Bridgewater's finale "Dear Ella" is the end-all tribute with guitarist Burrell only as accompanist and author. They thank the legend for her enormous contributions which need no additional comment. This is certainly Dee Dee Bridgewater's most ambitious, and finest recorded production. You have to appreciate the reality of Fitzgerald's influence on thousands of musicians, but on this CD, it all comes home to roost. Highly recommended, for the singer's attitude and the brilliant backup musicians who nod in total agreement. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1    A-Tisket, A-Tasket 2:32
Composed By – Ella Fitzgerald, Van Alexander
2    Mack The Knife 3:59
Composed By – Bertolt Brecht, Marc Blitzstein
Music By – Kurt Weill
3    Undecided 6:22
Composed By – Sid Robin
Music By – Charlie Shavers
4    Midnight Sun 7:22
Composed By – Johnny Mercer
Music By – Lionel Hampton, Sonny Burke
5    Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) 3:31
Composed By – Cole Porter
Music By – Cole Porter
6    How High The Moon 5:05
Composed By – Nancy Hamilton
Music By – Morgan Lewis
7    If You Can't Sing It, You'll Have To Swing It (Mr. Paganini) 6:34
Composed By – Sam Coslow
Music By – Sam Coslow
8    Cotton Tail 2:58
Composed By – Duke Ellington
Music By – Duke Ellington
9    My Heart Belongs To Daddy 5:05
Composed By – Cole Porter
Music By – Cole Porter
10    (I'd Like To Get You On A) Slow Boat To China 2:57
Composed By – Frank Loesser
Music By – Frank Loesser
11    Oh, Lady, Be Good! 3:39
Composed By – George Gershwin
Music By – George Gershwin
12    Stairway To The Stars 4:10
Composed By – Mitchell Parish
Music By – Frank Signorelli, Matty Malneck
13    Dear Ella 4:56
Arranged By – Kenny Burrell
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Vocals – Dee Dee Bridgewater
All Credits