30 By Ella
Nobody's too sure where this idea came from or what it hoped to accomplish. This 1968 oddity includes a half-dozen six-song medleys, each with five vocals and an instrumental, and the CD adds a scat showcase from the same sessions. Yet the unshakable Miss Fitzgerald comes through in the clutch, delivering luxurious readings of these standards and sounding completely comfortable in doing so, despite her initial reluctance. And with veterans such asBenny Carter,Sweets Edison, George Auld, John Collins, Jimmy Jones, and Louis Bellson behind her, what can be so bad? In fact, if you can adjust to the concept as smoothly and good-humoredly as Ella herself, you may find this to be a particularly sumptuous, warm, and charming set.--Marc Greilsamer