Norman Granz was one of the most important figures in jazz music, a behind-the-scenes player that transformed the genre.
The histories of the most iconic recording studios – Sun, Motown, Abbey Road – have made them almost as famous as the musicians who have recorded there.
Ella Fitzgerald called him The Duke of Ellington; he was a true Renaissance man and one of the giants of 20th Century music – jazz or any other kind.
From the Blues to bossa nova and calypsos to carols she imbued all with her unique voice. Ella Fitzgerald will live forever…
In March 1957, Ella Fitzgerald was riding high on the charts at No.11 with Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook.
The record helped Verve to become the quintessential jazz label of the 1950s.
Blossom Dearie created a jazz vocal style that was all her own and ended up as a fixture on the New York Supper Club scene.
Recorded on 28 January 1946, ‘Jazz At The Philharmonic Volume II’ captured the historic concert featuring Charlie Parker, Lester Young and other jazz titans.
On 25 January 1956, Ella Fitzgerald recorded for Verve Records for the very first time. It was the beginning of a resurgence in the singer's career.
Recorded on 13 January 1956 at New York City’s Fine Sound Studios, 'Pres and Teddy' is a joy.
Recorded in 1959, Ella Fitzgerald Sings The George and Ira Gershwin Song Book is one of the greatest vocal performances of the 20th century.
The album oozes swing and helped reconnect jazz lovers with one of the finest bands of the swing era.
If the 'The Genius Of Coleman Hawkins' was the hors d’oeuvre then 'Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster' is the main course, one that should be in every jazz lover’s collection.
'Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Duke Ellington Songbook' is consummate vocal jazz that took over a year to record, but it was well worth the wait.
The brief but brilliant recording was recently found after more than 60 years in the vaults of Verve Records.
