This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most enjoyable recordings from her later years. With pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Keter Betts, and drummer Bobby Durham serving as a backup group (not a bad band), she swings everything from “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing” to “Lemon Drop” and even Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” Her ballad interpretations are only topped by her scatting talents. This set serves as a perfect introduction to the mature Ella Fitzgerald. – Scott Yanow