ProJazz.net

“Angel Eyes” is a popular jazz standard composed in 1946 by Matt Dennis with lyrics by Earl Brent. It is recognized for its melancholy, “film noir” tone .

“Angel Eyes” is a jazz standard which has inspired many interpretations. Singers who have recorded notable versions of the song include Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, June Christy with Stan Kenton, Chris Connor with Hank Jones Trio, George Cable, Chet Baker and Shirley Bassey.

“When Frank Sinatra performed a series of “farewell concerts” in 1971 – launching a supposed retirement that actually proved to be a short absence from the stage – he used this number as a closer, and the concluding line made for an emotionally charged finale. Ella Fitzgerald was among the first jazz artists to embrace “Angel Eyes,” and by some accounts it was her favorite standard. She eventually left behind more than a half-dozen recordings, and other jazz divas followed on her heels.”

(Gioia, Ted. The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire (Page 21). Oxford University Press. Kindle

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Ella Fitzgerald: vocals
Oscar Peterson: piano
Ray Brown: bass
Herb Ellis: guitar
Jo Jones: drums

Bruxelles, 1957