The new CD "Dear Ella" by jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater is a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. The CD contains 13 songs, including the title track written by Kenny Burrell (a duet by Bridgewater and guitarist Burrell). Bridgewater's repertoire includes songs like "A-tisket, A-tasket", "Mack the knife", "If you can't sing it, You'll have to swing it" by Ella Fitzgerald (Mr. Paganini) "," How high the
… moon "and" Oh, lady be good! ". Quiet songs like "Midnight sun" and "Stairway to the stars" were also recorded, with an orchestra; these sound nice and smooth and soft, just like with Fitzgerald. In addition to an orchestra, Bridgewater was accompanied by an excellent big band, a top trio (consisting of pianist Lou Levy, bassist Ray Brown and drummer André Ceccarelli) and a good combo. Bridgewater's voice is great and Ella Fitzgerald's repertoire is a great fit for her. Bridgewater is also very good at scatting, as can be heard in for example "Cotton tail". This CD received four stars in the Jazz Nu in November and is number 13 in the Jazz Nu Top 20. (JW) _more
