Back in 1934, a chubby and unkempt teenager who lived off the streets of New York decided to try out for an Amateur Show at the Apollo Theatre as a dancer. Since she was following another dancer, she decided to sing instead, and won the award. Thus was the beginning of Ella Fitzgerald’s world changing singing career. This album captures an 80 minute tribute, returning to the Apollo with a variety of vocalists that have all ridden the tide of Ella’s wake.
Host David Alan Grier mixes vintage radio broadcasts and attitude as he brings in Patti Austin in front of the Count Basie Orchestra for swinging versions of “A Tisket-A Tasket” and “When I Get Low, I Get High”. Lizz Wright is luscious on “The Nearness Of You” while Ledisi is bright during “Honeysuckle Rose”. Cassandra Wilson brings here rural tones to a torch lit “Cry Me A River”, Monica Mancini teams with Brian Nova for an intimate “Once In Awhile” and Afro Blue sways to “Lady Be Good”. The album closes with a recording of Ella in a delicate aria of “People” putting all of the other artists in perspective, as Ella, even from the clouds of heaven, still outshines them all.