Ella and Louis Again

Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald’s initial meeting in the studio, 1956’s Ella and Louis, was so successful that producer Norman Granz reassembled the cast nearly a year later. Also featuring all standards, Ella and Louis Again again features pianist Oscar Peterson’s trio with bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis. One difference is that Louie Bellson ably replaces Buddy Rich behind the drum kit. Another is that Armstrong sings four songs without Fitzgerald and she three without him, serving as a de facto palate cleanser. On the standout interpretation of “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” a trademark Fitzgerald scat is followed by a hot Armstrong trumpet solo and then his scatting before she rejoins. “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” brilliantly showcases every single musician, while “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” perfectly encapsulates the talent, affection, and respect overflowing in the studio that day.