Recorded just before and after the period that she made the George and
Ira Gershwin Songbook,
Ella Fitzgerald is in fine form on this obscure LP, performing a dozen standards. Although two songs are by
Harold Arlen, the composers were in most cases less prolific than the ones she saluted in her songbook series.
Ella is backed by a large unidentified orchestra conducted and arranged by
Frank DeVol. Swingers alternate with ballads, and as usual,
Ella uplifts everything, including "Let's Fall In Love," "Moonlight Serenade," "Gone With the Wind" and "East of the Sun." An enjoyable if not classic release.