Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife
Ella Fitzgerald · 1960
49 min · 19 tracks · jazz · soul · swing
A vibrant live recording that showcases Fitzgerald's stunning vocal improvisation and unparalleled swing rhythm.
Why this album works
- Best for
- immersive live performance energy playful vocal improvisation moments dynamic waves of emotion
- Context
- By 1960, Ella Fitzgerald was already an established jazz icon, with a career spanning over two decades. 'Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife' was recorded during her European tour, following her successful releases in the late 1950s. This album captured a pivotal moment where Fitzgerald’s artistry reached new heights, particularly in live performance settings.
- If you like
- jazz, soul, swing
Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife is an album by Ella Fitzgerald, released in 1960. A vibrant live recording that showcases Fitzgerald's stunning vocal improvisation and unparalleled swing rhythm. This album is notable for its commercial success, reaching high positions on jazz and pop charts while being one of Fitzgerald's most acclaimed live recordings. The standout track 'Mack the Knife' became a cultural touchstone, leading to renewed interest in both Fitzgerald's work and the song itself, which has since been covered by numerous artists. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife sound like?
A vibrant live recording that showcases Fitzgerald's stunning vocal improvisation and unparalleled swing rhythm. Rooted in jazz and soul.
What makes Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife by Ella Fitzgerald notable?
This album is notable for its commercial success, reaching high positions on jazz and pop charts while being one of Fitzgerald's most acclaimed live recordings. The standout track 'Mack the Knife' became a cultural touchstone, leading to renewed interest in both Fitzgerald's work and the song itself, which has since been covered by numerous artists. By 1960, Ella Fitzgerald was already an established jazz icon, with a career spanning over two decades. 'Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife' was recorded during her European tour, following her successful releases in the late 1950s. This album captured a pivotal moment where Fitzgerald’s artistry reached new heights, particularly in live performance settings.
Who is Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife for?
Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife works well if you're into immersive live performance energy, playful vocal improvisation moments and dynamic waves of emotion.
How many songs are on Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife?
Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife has 19 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 [Setting up the stage: Tuning up / Granz and Fitzgerald talking] 0:19
- 2 That Old Black Magic Standout 3:51
- 3 Our Love Is Here to Stay 3:12
- 4 Gone With the Wind 2:24
- 5 Misty 2:37
- 6 [Applause and fanfare interlude] 0:18
- 7 The Lady Is a Tramp 2:40
- 8 [Fanfare and announcement] 0:28
- 9 The Man I Love 3:39
- 10 Love for Sale 2:59
- 11 Just One of Those Things 3:53
- 12 Summertime Standout 2:51
- 13 Too Darn Hot 3:16
- 14 [Applause and fanfare interlude] 0:24
- 15 Lorelei 3:27
- 16 Mack the Knife Standout 4:39
- 17 [Fanfare and announcement] 0:24
- 18 How High the Moon? 6:58
- 19 [Applause and closing fanfare] 1:06
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