Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'ella fitzgerald'

Anne-Sophie Mutter's Musical Moments

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EDT

Anne-Sophie Mutter is one of the busiest musicians around, complete with new recordings, new pieces to premiere and seemingly endless concert tours. But when she's relaxing at home in Germany, she lists Ella Fitzgerald and La BohÃ¨me among her musical favorites.

Ellis Larkins: The Patient Pianist

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:24:00 EDT

Larkins was a classically trained pianist and teacher, as well as the first black student at the Peabody Conservatory. But he's best remembered as an accompanist to Ella Fitzgerald.

Vocal Impressions: Hearing Voices

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:30:00 EST

"Diamonds dipped in caramel" is how commentator Brian McConnachie's daughter described Ella Fitzgerald's voice. Now, he invites listeners to send in their own descriptions of the distinctive voices of four American legends: Truman Capote, Patsy Cline, Morgan Freeman and Marilyn Monroe.

Tommy Flanagan: Poet Of Piano

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:52:00 EDT

One of many hard-bop giants to emerge from Detroit, the pianist brought his sensitive touch to some of jazz's most memorable records (and much of Ella Fitzgerald's late period) before launching his own career as a leader.

Catherine Russell: 'Real Thing' Gets Sentimental

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:48:00 EDT

Her father was Louis Armstrong's music director and a noted bandleader in his own right; her mother was a member of the iconic International Sweethearts of Rhythm. Critic Nat Hentoff says that pedigree — and her own unmistakable chops — make Cat Russell "the real thing" in a crowd of jazz wannabes "who couldn't lasted through a chorus in a contest with Ella Fitzgerald or Betty Carter."

Umm Kulthum: The Voice of Egypt

Sun, 11 May 2008 15:36:00 EDT

She had the musical chops of Ella Fitzgerald, the public persona of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the audience of Elvis Presley. More than 30 years after Umm Kulthum's death, Egyptians young and old still celebrate the voice of their country's greatest singer.

DePhazz's Tale of 'Trust'

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:14:00 EDT

German DJ Pit Baumgartner — a.k.a. De Phazz — made his name constructing popular remixes of famous jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald.

Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:44:00 EDT

Ella Fitzgerald is one of the most recognized voices in jazz history. As a teen, her dream was to be a dancer, but fate had different plans for her. "Lady Ella" sang a three-octave range, was noted for her pure tone, and is widely considered one of the finest Great American Songbook interpreters.

Charmaine Clamor's 'Jazzipino' Swing

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST

Charmaine Clamor grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald in her native Philippines. So it's no wonder that her brand of jazz (dubbed "jazzipino") combines traditional Filipino instruments, languages and melodies with American grooves.

George Martin: 'The Fifth Beatle' Returns

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:55:00 EST

As a producer and composer, Martin has assembled a body of work that spans more than half of a century and is as varied as it is legendary. Encompassing acts as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles and Peter Gabriel, Martin is arguably the most successful record producer in the history of popular music.

Sasha Dobson: Brazilian and American Jazz

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 17:21:00 EDT

Sasha Dobson carries on in the jazz tradition of past greats like Ella Fitzgerald, with a sultry voice and extensive performance experience, but she remains unconventional . Now 26, Dobson has been performing professionally since she was 16, in the process crafting a unique fusion of worldly jazz.

Robin McKelle Channels Music of a Different Era

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 10:52:00 EDT

Robin McKelle is a jazz singer who brings new life to some old standards. Inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, this jazz singer sounds mature beyond her 30 years.

The Lark Quartet Plays George Gershwin

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

The poetry and lyricism in songs by George Gershwin have universal appeal. The Lark Quartet plays three songs by Gershwin, arranged for string quartet by Stanley Silverman. "He Loves and She Loves," "Do It Again," and "Sweet and Lowdown," with a touch of Ella Fitzgerald.

Savoring Shirley Horn's Timeless Sound

Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Jazz singer and pianist Shirley Horn's graceful career began in the 1960s, and lasted until her death this week at 71. Her voice and style put her in the ranks of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

Veteran Producer-Pianist-Singer George Wein

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EDT

He's the founder of the Newport Folk Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival, which turns 50 this year. A new three-CD set, Happy Birthday Newport: 50 Swinging Years, celebrates the milestone. In the early 1950s, Wein founded the jazz clubs Storyville and Mahogany Hall in his hometown of Boston, where jazz giants Art Tatum, Sidney Bechet, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and Miles Davis played. In 1954 he launched the Newport Jazz Festival, where he presented Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Dave Brubeck and others. The other music greats he knew and worked with: Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Louis Armstrong. Last year, Wein published his autobiography, Myself Among Others: A Life In Music.