Ella Fitzgerald With Ellis Larkins – Ella - Songs In A Mellow Mood (Japanese) CD

Ella Fitzgerald With Ellis Larkins – Ella: Songs In A Mellow Mood (Japanese) CD

Japanese Import • CD • 12 Tracks • Decca • Vocal Jazz / Jazz Standards • Original Album 1954

Available at Bennies Fifties and the online Fifties Store

Ella: Songs In A Mellow Mood is one of the most beautiful and intimate recordings by legendary American jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. Originally released in 1954, the album features Ella accompanied exclusively by the elegant piano playing of Ellis Larkins.

This Japanese CD edition presents a wonderful opportunity to experience the softer, more romantic side of Ella Fitzgerald. Without a large orchestra or full jazz ensemble, the focus remains entirely on her remarkable vocal technique, expressive phrasing and effortless sense of swing.

The album was recorded in New York on March 29 and 30, 1954. By this time, Ella Fitzgerald had already established herself as one of the most important voices in American jazz, admired for her extraordinary musicality and her ability to transform familiar songs into deeply personal performances.

For these recordings, she reunited with pianist Ellis Larkins, whose refined and understated playing provides the perfect accompaniment. The two musicians had previously collaborated on Ella Sings Gershwin in 1950, and their exceptional musical chemistry is immediately apparent throughout this album.

Songs In A Mellow Mood features twelve carefully selected standards from the Great American Songbook, written by some of the most celebrated composers and lyricists of the twentieth century.

Opening track I'm Glad There Is You establishes the album's warm and intimate atmosphere. Ella's beautifully controlled vocals blend effortlessly with Larkins' delicate piano accompaniment.

What Is There To Say? and People Will Say We're In Love further demonstrate her extraordinary ability to interpret romantic ballads with subtle emotion and natural elegance.

One of the album's finest performances is Stardust, the timeless composition by Hoagy Carmichael. Ella delivers a deeply expressive interpretation, combining vocal precision with warmth and sensitivity.

Makin' Whoopee! introduces a more playful atmosphere, while Imagination and You Leave Me Breathless return to the album's relaxed, dreamlike mood.

The collection also includes My Heart Belongs To Daddy, written by Cole Porter, before closing with Nice Work If You Can Get It by George and Ira Gershwin.

The simplicity of the voice-and-piano arrangement is one of the album's greatest strengths. Every nuance of Ella's singing and every subtle musical response from Ellis Larkins can be appreciated, creating an intimate listening experience reminiscent of a small jazz club.

Songs In A Mellow Mood remains an essential recording for fans of vocal jazz, romantic jazz ballads, piano jazz and the Great American Songbook.

As a Japanese import, this CD is also an appealing addition to collections of classic jazz recordings and international editions.

Tracklist

I'm Glad There Is You (In This World Of Ordinary People)

What Is There To Say?

People Will Say We're In Love

Please Be Kind

Until The Real Thing Comes Along

Makin' Whoopee!

Imagination

Stardust

My Heart Belongs To Daddy

You Leave Me Breathless

Baby, What Else Can I Do?

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Specifications

Artists: Ella Fitzgerald With Ellis Larkins

Title: Ella: Songs In A Mellow Mood

Format: CD

Edition: Japanese Import

Number of discs: 1

Number of tracks: 12

Country of release: Japan

Original album year: 1954

Recording dates: March 29 and 30, 1954

Recording location: New York, USA

Original label: Decca Records

Genre: Vocal Jazz / Jazz Standards / Traditional Pop / Piano Jazz

Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald

Piano: Ellis Larkins

Original producer: Milt Gabler

Recording format: Mono

Special features: Intimate jazz recording featuring only vocals and piano

Highlights

One of Ella Fitzgerald's finest intimate recordings

Japanese import CD

12 timeless jazz standards

Featuring the elegant piano accompaniment of Ellis Larkins

Originally recorded in 1954

Includes the classic Stardust

Featuring Makin' Whoopee! and My Heart Belongs To Daddy

Also includes People Will Say We're In Love

Beautiful combination of expressive vocals and delicate piano playing

Essential for collectors of classic vocal jazz and Great American Songbook recordings