Tokyo Rose

This wonderful DVD features Ella Fitzgerald, one of the great divas of jazz singing. This performance consists of the second half of a 1983 Tokyo concert. We begin with a set presenting Ella backed by her regular trio with Paul Smith on piano. The accompaniment is then augmented to a quartet with the addition of the great guitarist Joe Pass. The singer and guitarist had made a few unique albums together, and their magical chemistry can be seen here on an Ellington medley and a version of the Carmichael evergreen “Georgia on My Mind’. For a big finale, a number of jazz stars (Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Zoot Sims, Oscar Peterson…) join them on the classic “Flying Home”, ending the concert in the spirit of the great jazz jam sessions.

It is not obvious looking at the outside of this CD but the music from this live performance is also included in Art Pepper's 16-CD Galaxy set. However those Pepper fans unable to afford the larger box are advised to acquire this Dreyfus single CD for the altoist is heard in superb form. Accompanied (and inspired) by pianist George Cables, bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Billy Higgins, Pepper stretches out on six superior pieces that are highlighted by "Besame Mucho," "Straight Life" and one of the greatest versions ever recorded of "Over the Rainbow." ~ AllMusic

This is a live recording of Anita O'Day in her mature stage, where you can enjoy her favorite standard numbers. The ending song, "Tea for Two," a recreation of the movie "A Midsummer Night's Dream," is a must-listen.