Ella and Basie! cover

Ella and Basie!

Ella Fitzgerald · 1963

60 min · 18 tracks · jazz

A vibrant collaboration blending Fitzgerald's soaring vocals with Basie's swinging arrangements, creating a timeless jazz experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Honeysuckle Rose Start here — This opening track showcases Fitzgerald's playful vocal style against Basie's upbeat orchestration, setting a joyful tone for the album.
  • →
    Dream a Little Dream of Me — Fitzgerald's rendition here highlights her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing, complemented by Basie's lush arrangement.
  • →
    Ain’t Misbehavin’ — This classic features Fitzgerald's impeccable timing and swing feel, demonstrating her mastery of rhythm while honoring a jazz standard.
  • →
    I’m Beginning to See the Light — The interplay between Fitzgerald's vocals and the brass section creates an uplifting atmosphere, illustrating the collaborative synergy between her and Basie.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Fitzgerald's vocal prowess shines alongside Basie's arrangements, though some tracks feel less cohesive due to bonus material.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks feature Fitzgerald's vocals prominently, while the subsequent tracks alternate between her singing and instrumental sections led by Basie's band.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental solos, allowing for a dynamic interplay between Fitzgerald's voice and the band's arrangements.
  • The album includes alternate takes and breakdowns of 'My Last Affair' and 'Robbins’ Nest', which provide insight into the recording process.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • swinging rhythms for lively gatherings
  • playful interactions between voice and
  • nostalgic warmth for cozy evenings
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • varied pacing keeps engagement high

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, uninterrupted tracks
  • seek intense emotional depth

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — This album is celebrated among fans for its jazz and swing blend, showcasing Fitzgerald's talent.
Themes
swinging big band energy· collaborative artistry
Career context
Released in 1963, Ella and Basie! came during a prolific period for Ella Fitzgerald, following her commercial successes in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This album marked her collaboration with legendary bandleader Count Basie, showcasing her adaptability and continued relevance in the jazz scene as she embraced big band formats.
Stylistic neighbors
Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Louis Armstrong
New to Ella Fitzgerald? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Dream a Little Dream of Me

    The narrator addresses a loved one directly, expressing longing through vivid imagery of dreams and nighttime wishes.

    This direct address deepens the emotional connection with listeners, making it one of the most intimate moments on the album.

Tracklist

  • 1 Honeysuckle Rose Start here 2:43
  • 2 ’Deed I Do 2:44
  • 3 Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall 3:22
  • 4 Them There Eyes 5:08
  • 5 Dream a Little Dream of Me 4:07
  • 6 Tea for Two 3:18
  • 7 Satin Doll 3:19
  • 8 I’m Beginning to See the Light 4:07
  • 9 Shiny Stockings 3:34
  • 10 My Last Affair 3:18
  • 11 Ain’t Misbehavin’ 3:15
  • 12 On the Sunny Side of the Street 3:44
  • 13 My Last Affair (alternate take 1) 3:26
  • 14 My Last Affair (alternate take 2) 3:39
  • 15 Robbins’ Nest (breakdown) 1:22
  • 16 Robbins’ Nest (alternate take 1) 3:40
  • 17 Robbins’ Nest (alternate take 2) 3:09
  • 18 Robbins’ Nest (alternate take 3) 2:55

What to play next

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook
Listen next

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook

1963

Continues the vibrant jazz style with rich arrangements and showcases Ella's vocal prowess.
These Are the Blues
Go back to

These Are the Blues

1963

Sets a soulful foundation leading into the lively collaboration with Basie.
Full Ella Fitzgerald discography Where to start with Ella Fitzgerald Artists like Ella Fitzgerald
jazz soul swing

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Come Fly with Me

Come Fly with Me

Frank Sinatra

Shares a lush big band sound and showcases vocal charisma over swinging arrangements.

When I Look in Your Eyes

When I Look in Your Eyes

Diana Krall

Combines smooth jazz vocals with rich orchestral backing, creating an engaging collaboration feel.

If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set

If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set

Tony Bennett

Features a blend of jazz and traditional pop with vibrant orchestration and expressive vocals.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata