April In Paris – 2018
Patti Austin
Austin, the Frankfurt Radio Big Band and a memorable Gordon Goodwin arrangement
Patti Austin, who had formerly been well known as an r&b singer, back in 2001 recorded For Ella, a classic set in which she closely emulated Ella Fitzgerald, reinventing her as a swinging jazz singer.
In 2023 she recorded For Ella 2, utilizing the arrangements of Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band.
This time around she brought back Ella’s spirit while sounding much more like herself, clearly enjoying being back in a jazz setting.
One of Goodwin’s more inspired arrangements was written for “April In Paris,” beginning the piece as a tender French waltz before swinging a la Count Basie.
For this heartfelt performance, Patti Austin is joined by the Frankfurt Radio Big Band.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald