Round Midnight
Ella Fitzgerald
A rare gem by Ella
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Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady Of Song, rarely ever sang Thelonious Monk melodies (a real pity) but “’Round Midnight” was in her repertoire in the 1960s.
On this live version from England in 1961, Ella (with backing by the Oscar Peterson Trio) works magic on the song.
Singing as if she were a melodic saxophonist, Ella adds scatted phrases to the lyrics and takes a closing cadenza filled with quiet emotion and a brilliant choice of notes.
Personnel:
Ella Fitzgerald, vocals
Oscar Peterson, piano
Ray Brown, bass
Ed Thigpen, drums
– Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald