Ella Fitzgerald - Mack The Knife: Ella In Berlin [LP]

43-year-old Ella rolls through her typical routine in feisty fashion on this 1960 recording, which documents the opening show of her European tour. There's the Satchmo impersonation (a joyous 'Mack the Knife'), the lengthy scat showcase ('How High the Moon'), and a bevy of Gershwin and Porter tunes. Supported by pianist Paul Smith's quartet, Ella's voice sounds earthier than usual and her phrasing is as appealing as ever. She's tender on 'Misty' and sultry on 'Too Darn Hot.' On 180 gram vinyl.