ProJazz.net

Ella and Louis is a studio album by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, accompanied by the Oscar Peterson Quartet, released in October 1956.

Reception.

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars and stated:”Ella and Louis is an inspired collaboration, masterminded by producer Norman Granz. Both artists were riding high at this stage in their careers, and Granz assembled a stellar quartet of Oscar Peterson (piano), Buddy Rich (drums), Herb Ellis (guitar) and Ray Brown (bass). Equally inspired was the choice of material, with the gruffness of Armstrong’s voice blending like magic with Fitzgerald’s stunningly silky delivery. Outstanding are Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” and “Isn’t This a Lovely Day,” and everything else works like a dream, with the golden star going to the Gershwin brothers’ “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” Gentle and sincere, this is deserving of a place in every home.”

Track listing:

00:00 Can’t we be Friends?
03:44 Isn’t This a Lovely Day?
09:56 Moonlight in Vermont
13:30 They can’t Take That Away from Me
18:05 Under a Blanket of Blue
22:28 Tenderly
27:21 A Foggy Day (in London Town)
31:50 Stars Fell on Alabama
35:18 Cheek to Cheek
41:07 The Nearness of You
46:42 April in Paris

Personnel:
Louis Armstrong – vocals, trumpet
Ella Fitzgerald – vocals
Oscar Peterson – piano
Ray Brown – bass
Herb Ellis – guitar
Buddy Rich – drums
Buddy Bregman – Arranger / Conductor

______________

Released: October 1956
Recorded: 16 August 1956
Studio Capitol (Hollywood)
Length: 54:06
Label: Verve MGV 4003
Polygram 825 373-2 (1989)
Producer: Norman Granz