Radio Years, The

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 00:58:39
Originally broadcast on NBC radio. Recorded at the Savoy Ballroom, New York, New York in January 1940. Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Taft Jordan, Dick Vance (vocals, trumpet); John Trueheart (baritone guitar); Wayman Carver (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Eddie Barefield (clarinet, alto saxophone); Hilton Jefferson (alto saxophone); Teddy McRae (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Sandy Williams , George Matthews (trombone); Roger "Ram" Ramirez (piano); Bill Beason (snare drum). Recording information: Savoy Ballroom, Harlem New York (01/22/1940-01/25/1940). Arrangers: Edgar Sampson; Wayman Carver; Dick Vance. This CD from Denmark's Jazz Unlimited label spotlights NBC radio broadcasts of Ella Fitzgerald's performances at Savoy Ballroom in New York's Harlem section on January 22 and 25, 1940. At the time, a 22-year-old Fitzgerald was still leading the remnants of Chick Webb's orchestra, and she was still singing in a voice that was girlish and a bit nasal. The vocalist was huge in 1940, although her best work was yet to come. About half of the time, Fitzgerald lays out -- allowing the orchestra to do its thing on such exuberant instrumentals as "Limehouse Blues," "Diga Diga Doo," "Break 'Em Down," and "Traffic Jam." Fitzgerald's performances, meanwhile, are generally enjoyable -- she's in decent form on "Vagabond Dreams," "This Changing World," and "A Lover Is Blue," although a dumb, cornball novelty item like "I Want the Waiter With the Water" is unworthy of her talents. Much like Billie Holiday, Fitzgerald had the misfortune of being saddled with some unbearable novelty songs when she was starting out -- both singers, however, were able to abandon such schlock as their careers progressed. Thankfully, bad novelty items only account for a fraction of the material on this CD. Although not essential and not recommended to casual listeners, The Radio Years: 1940 is a generally likable disc that will interest historians and seasoned Fitzgerald aficionados. And the sound quality is quite good for 78-era recordings. ~ Alex Henderson
録音 : モノラル (Studio)