1958, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong combined their talents for Porgy & Bess, revisiting Gershwin’s opera with grace
Released in 1958, Porgy & Bess is an iconic collaborative album bringing together two jazz legends ! I know it’s bad, even really bad, but I must admit that I first stole this record from my mum’s collection. Later, I gave it back to her, just before having my own copy. Listening to it alone, or with a special friend, is always an emotion. 1935, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess opéra is on première in Boston, 70 years later, still running on turntables with amazing voices, creating a timeless work of vocal jazz…
Few words about the record
This album is an interpretation of songs from George Gershwin’s opera, Porgy and Bess, and offers a perfect combination of the distinctive voices of both artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong : the pure, crystalline voice of Ella and the deep, raspy voice of Louis Tracks, such as Summertime, Bess, You Is My Woman Now and I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ are enhanced by the alchemy between Ella and Louis, each bringing their own style and emotion to the compositions. by Gershwin.
The album stands out for its elegance and warmth, capturing the very essence of vocal jazz of that era. Under the orchestral direction of Russell Garcia, Porgy & Bess remains a timeless work, celebrated for the complementarity of the two voices and the moving reinterpretation of these classics, combining virtuosity and passion. The fusion of Ella and Louis’ distinct styles offers a rich and nuanced reinterpretation of the original work, inviting listeners to rediscover these classics through an innovative lens.
Their collaboration also highlights the importance of music in the civil rights movement, representing a symbolic union in a time of great racial tension in the United States. Thus, Porgy & Bess becomes a centerpiece not only for its exceptional musicality, but also for its cultural impact, testifying to the power of art to unite and inspire.
