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A definite shot at the pop market by Ella Fitzgerald – quite possibly recorded as a follow-up to the 60s success of former singing partner Louis Armstrong, who's referenced nicely in Ella's rendition of the title hit! The first 4 tracks on the set were done in the UK, under the leadership of arranger Johnny Spence – and the remaining 8 were done back on Ella's home turf, with familiar backings by Frank DeVol, and an overall sound that's a bit more lush than those on the British numbers. Includes a hit reading of "Can't Buy Me Love", plus "Hello Dolly", "The Sweetest Sounds", "My Man", "Volare", "The Thrill Is Gone", "How High The Moon", and "Lullaby Of The Leaves". CD

The cover of this one might make the album one of the campiest records on Verve – but the session's a surprisingly great one, with a straighter vocal approach than you'd guess! Monica's got a really sweet vocal style – a bit sexy, and certainly adult – arranged here with some nice jazzy touches from Frank DeVol, working in backings that are a lot hipper than those we remember him using with other singers from the time. Monica handles herself like a big girl in front of all those Marines – all-woman, but clearly not giving it away to the first man in blue who walks down the street. Titles include "Blues In The Night", "Miss You", "Rough Ridin", "All Alone", "The Song Is You", "Undecided", and "I'll Be Seeing You". CD

Rare material, not issued on LP back in the day – includes June Christy singing with The Kentones, a small group of Stan Kenton players – and Peggy Lee singing with the Frank DeVol Orchestra, and small groups led by guitarist Dave Barbour! CD

Ella swings it nicely with the orchestra of Frank DeVol on this set of standards and classics – an overlooked treat from her late 50s years – and a set that's overflowing with great little numbers! The album's got a sound that's lush at times, but never overly emotive – thanks to Ella's keen ear for jazz in the tunes, which works strongly against DeVol's sometimes tendency to overarrange. The album's a nice contrast to some of Ella's Songbook work from the time – and titles include "You Go To My Head", "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year", "Lost In A Fog", "So Rare", "Stairway To The Stars", and "Tenderly". CD