Mood Indigo/Sophisticated Lady
Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass
Ella and Joe Pass play an intimate Ellington medley in 1983
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In 1983, the magnificent Ella Fitzgerald was 66.
While her voice was starting to show her age, her phrasing, choice of notes, ability to mix together words and scatting, and the pure joy that she exuded while singing were unimpaired.
Ella recorded four duet albums with Joe Pass with the third one being in 1983, the same year as this concert performance from Japan.
Many exquisite moments are created during their medley of “Mood Indigo’ and “Sophisticated Lady.”
Among the surprises is Ella’s brief but inventive closing cadenza on “Sophisticated Lady.”
Personnel:
Ella Fitzgerald, vocals
Joe Pass, guitar
– Scott Yanow
Stan Getz