Ella Fitzgerald

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While there have been many talented jazz singers during the past 110 years, it is not an exaggeration to say that no one could outswing Ella Fitzgerald, or scat sing on her level.

From 1972, Ella more than holds her own with two of the most ferocious and competitive of all jazz musicians: tenor-saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and trumpeter Roy Eldridge.

After a minute of introductions, “C Jam Blues” is hot from the start as Ella (with backup from pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Keeter Betts, and drummer Bobby Durham), Eldridge, and Lockjaw take solos and then engage in explosive tradeoffs.

While not quite flawless (Eldridge cracks up near the end of his tradeoff), the results are quite stirring.

-Scott Yanow

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