Long-Lost Ella Fitzgerald Concert Gets Video Release

In an exciting announcement for jazz enthusiasts and Ella Fitzgerald fans, a previously unknown recording of a 1967 concert, “The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum” is set to be released. This live album, capturing the iconic singer performing at the Oakland Coliseum, was found in the private collection of Norman Granz, the legendary founder of Verve Records. The recording includes nine tracks, some never before heard, and features Ella Fitzgerald backed by members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. This release promises to be a significant event in the music world, as it showcases Fitzgerald’s impeccable live performance during a pivotal moment in her career.

The concert special is due out next month, on February 28th, across all formats from Verve Records. The release promises high-fidelity audio, having been carefully mixed and mastered from the original multitracked analogue tapes. The album’s repertoire is a delightful mix of jazz standards and contemporary pop hits of the time, allowing listeners to experience her versatility and vocal mastery. Notably, Fitzgerald performs beloved jazz classics such as “Mack the Knife,” “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love),” and “Bye Bye Blackbird,” alongside unique renditions of 60s pop songs, notably Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Alfie” and Andy Williams’s “Music To Watch Girls By.”

Significantly, the album reflects Ella’s artistic evolution at the time. The 1967 recording comes from a period when she was transitioning between record labels, from Verve to Capitol Records, and exploring broader musical landscapes. Her collaboration with Duke Ellington’s Orchestra on this record is a testament to her ability to blend jazz with other contemporary styles, a trend she was embracing more at the time. The inclusion of tracks that incorporate elements of pop further illustrates her dynamic range and adaptability, ensuring her music remained fresh and relevant, all while maintaining her title as the “First Lady Of Song.”

The team supporting Fitzgerald in this concert reads like a who’s who of jazz legends, with Jimmy Jones on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Sam Woodyard on drums, supplemented by members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s brass and reed sections. Renowned for her exceptional live performances, this release underscores why Ella Fitzgerald was considered by many, including The New York Times, as “utter perfection personified.”