The Original 'Airmail Special'

Here is Ella Fitzgerald in 1961, singing 'Round Midnight and Airmail Special with the marvelously fleet-fingered Oscar Peterson on piano, Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drumset. I like how she ended this version. Watch out!

Ledisi: Local Girl Makes Good

My friend Jay told me to watch this "We Love Ella" special on PBS. To my delight and amazement, the Bay Area's own Ledisi (who may now be New York-based), appeared (introduced by Quincy Jones as the next generation to carry on the legend of Ella) and blew everyone else out of the water. Her pipes, her presence, her incredible scatting ability, her massive range and her novel interpretation were all head and shoulders above the rest!

I remember seeing her many years ago at San Francisco's Cafe du Nord with my friend Emily, taking a class with (from) her at Jazz Camp Weekend, and seeing her open for Nancy Wilson at Stern Grove (and tell the audience she was nervous!). I know she has been working it for years, as a great songwriter, a tireless performer and a record producer. (Oh, and Wayne arranged a great horn section for a tune she wrote, Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue). Here she is, proving yet again that every overnight sensation is years in the making. How thrilling and inspiring to see the exposure she's getting now. And apparently, she's got a new record coming out on Verve! Go girl, go!

Don't just take my word for it: Here she is (plus Take 6, not too shabby!)!