Producer Norman Granz had a stroke of genius when he signed the jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to his Verve label. The duo that critics have called "A match made in heaven," take to the microphone here for a repeat on Ella And Louis Again, the sequel to 1956's acclaimed Ella and Louis. Ella's voice — radiant, warm, sweet as honey, and Louis' gritty, gravelly, croon formed a sound rife with commercial success.

 

The sequel album was backed by the Oscar Peterson trio, with Louie Bellson replacing Buddy Rich on the drums. The 10-track album had seven tracks with solo singing and three duet tracks. Ella and Louis Again stood out from their first album and subsequent album Porgy and Bess. It focused more on the artist's voices rather than Louis' trumpet solos on Ella and Louis and didn't have a big band like the one featured in Porgy and Bess. This focus truly brought the voices of the two icons center stage, where they were able to perform in perfect black and white contrast. The Oscar Peterson trio did not go unnoticed, however. They were mentioned as a "solid rhythm section" by Alex Henderson at c.

 

Ella and Louis Again will rein down in history as being an important piece to what could be considered the most iconic jazz trilogy of all time.

 

Originally released in 1957.

 

Musicians:

Louis Armstrong, trumpet, vocals

Ella Fitzgerald, vocals

Louie Bellson, drums

Ray Brown, bass

Herb Ellis, guitar

Oscar Peterson, piano

 

Side A

1. Don't Be That Way

2. Makin' Whoopee

3. They All Laughed

4. Comes Love

5. Autumn In New York

 

Side B

1. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)

2. Stompin' At The Savoy

3. I Won't Dance

4. Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You?

 

Side C

1. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off

2. These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)

3. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

4. Willow Weep For Me

5. I'm Puttin' All My Eggs In One Basket

 

Side D

1. A Fine Romance

2. Ill Wind

3. Love Is Here To Stay

4. I Get A Kick Out Of You

5. Learnin' The Blues