Ella and Louis is an inspired collaboration, masterminded by producer Norman Granz. Both artists were riding high at this stage in their careers, and Granz assembled a stellar quartet of
Oscar Peterson (piano),
Buddy Rich (drums),
Herb Ellis (guitar) and
Ray Brown (bass). Equally inspired was the choice of material, with the gruffness of
Armstrong's voice blending like magic with
Fitzgerald's stunningly silky delivery. Outstanding are Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" and "Isn't This a Lovely Day," and everything else works like a dream, with the golden star going to the Gershwin brothers' "They Can't Take That Away from Me." Gentle and sincere, this is deserving of a place in every home.