Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Ella And Louis Again (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series) 180g 2LP

Analog Planet Rated 10/11 Music, 9/11 Sonics!

Ella and Louis Again, released in 1957 on Verve Records, is the sequel to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's 1956 album, Ella and Louis. In contrast to their previous collaboration, this album features seven solo vocal tracks by either Armstrong or Fitzgerald amongst its dozen duet tracks, and Louis Bellson replaces Buddy Rich on drums.

Seeking to offer definitive audiophile grade versions of some of the most historic and best jazz records ever recorded, Verve Label Group and Universal Music Enterprises' audiophile Acoustic Sounds vinyl reissue series utilizes the skills of top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings. All titles are mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co. in high-quality gatefold sleeves with tip-on jackets.

The two Ella And Louis Again LPs in the set I'm reviewing here are thick, dark, quiet, and, most importantly (for me, at least), well-centered. Ryan K. Smith's disc mastering is once again excellent, delivering a clean and punchy vinyl playback experience while sounding true to the release's era... Honestly, I could go through every track and tell you how great each one is - because they are! Ella And Louis Again is an outstanding reissue of an outstanding album. It is an essential release if you are fan of either artist, or simply a fan of great vocal jazz. Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's simpatico performances must be heard to be fully appreciated. But don't just take it from me - get a copy of the new 180g 2LP Ella And Louis Again set in hand, and go listen for yourself!