Nelson Riddle, whose arrangements were an asset on some of
Ella Fitzgerald's
Song Book projects, also made two albums with her during 1961: this one plus
Ella Swings Gently with Nelson. The singer has rarely sounded better than during this period. For the
Swings Brightly set (which gets a slight edge over the other one),
Fitzgerald sticks mostly to familiar standards and is particularly memorable on "Don't Be That Way," "What Am I Here For," "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'," and "I Won't Dance." Three slightly earlier bonus tracks round out this enjoyable big-band effort.