Ella Fitzgerald – The Lost Berlin Tapes (BSM)

'The Lost Berlin Tapes' were recorded - incredibly in both mono and stereo - at Berlin's Sportpalast on March 25, 1962 and finds Ella at the top of her game with a trio led by pianist Paul Smith, Wilfred Middlebrooks on bass, and Stan Levey on drums. There was just something about Berlin that brought out the best in Ella. Her unique charm, energy and skill are palpable throughout this live recording. She opens with 'Cheek To Cheek', followed by the rarer 'He's My Kind of Boy'. After her behind-the-shoulder scat-heavy salute with 'Jersey Bounce', Ella shifts to a heart-wrenching ballad of the Great American Songbook, 'Angel Eyes'. Ella also sings the Ray Charles hit 'Hallelujah, I Love Him So', singing a reprise that shows Ella's improvisational skills.