February 24, 2025

Get ready to be blown away! Verve Records is thrilled to announce the release of a brand-new, never-before-heard live concert album from the legendary First Lady Of Song, Ella Fitzgerald!  “The Moment of Truth: Ella At The Coliseum” is set to drop soon on all formats, and you can already dive into the magic with the title track, “The Moment of Truth,” available now!

These incredible recordings have been mixed and mastered with stunning clarity from the original analog multitrack tapes, delivering pristine high-fidelity audio that’s rarely heard in live concert recordings from that era.

Recorded at the iconic Oakland Coliseum on June 30, 1967, this album was recently discovered in the private tape collection of Verve Records founder Norman Granz. It features nine tracks, most of which have never been heard before, showcasing Fitzgerald alongside members of The Duke Ellington Orchestra at their peak. The recordings highlight Fitzgerald’s unmatched prowess as a live performer, described by The New York Times as “utter perfection, personified.”

Ella Fitzgerald graces the album with her vocals, supported by The Trio: Jimmy Jones on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Sam Woodyard on drums. The ensemble is further enriched by the talents of Duke Ellington’s Orchestra members, including trumpeters Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, and Cootie Williams; trombonists Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors, and Buster Cooper; and reed players Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, and Russell Procope.

This live album captures a fascinating moment in Fitzgerald’s illustrious career. During the summer of 1967, she was in the midst of an especially rewarding three-year tour and recording collaboration with Duke Ellington. She was also weaving hit pop songs of the late-60s into her concerts—two of which, “Alfie” and “Music To Watch Girls By,” make their debut on this album.

Every performance was Ella’s Moment of Truth, and now you can experience it like never before! The album is available from February 28th.

Source/Image provided courtesy of Crossover Media

 

 

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