Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong – Ella and Louis ( 200g 45rpm 2LP Mono)

Label: Analogue Productions – AVRJ 4003-45 – 200 Gram Virgin Vinyl –
Mastered By George Marino at Sterling – 45RPM – Two Disc – Mono
AAA 100% Analogue – Limited Edition – Pressed at QRP – Verve MG V-4003
This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only, from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head
TAS Harry Pearson Super LP List

“If you’re a jazz-following audiophile, go buy this right away.

2013 Stereophile Magazine Record to Die For!
The most delightful jazz vocal recording of all time, now enshrined in 45rpm, 200gm vinyl from Analogue Productions, and it’s a jaw-dropper. The piano sounds a little hooded, but Ella and Louis are 3D-palpable; they’re in the room, or you’re in their room. Ella breathes air; when Pops sings down low, your hair stands on end.
How much would you pay for the most palpable illusion you’ll ever experience that Pops and the First Lady of Song are back among the living-standing, breathing, singing, and blowing, right in front of you? … It’s the only QRP Verve I’ve heard so far, but if it’s a harbinger of things to come, it’s what Satch would call a mitzvah!”Fred Kaplan, stereophile.

But like the reproduction of Phil Stern’s cover photo for the double 45, which looks like it was produced with great care, the sonics on this new Analogue Productions release are far superior. The backgrounds are jet black and the vocal textures take on a thrilling realism the 33 can’t match. You can feel the touch of the musicians and hear their contribution far more clearly. “Pops” leaves beads of sweat on the floor. Yours, not the studio’s. I swear. Or maybe the kitchen sink above my listening room only leaks when I play this record? Michael Fremmer Analogue Planet
This is no contest – for the artists all pursue a common goal with extreme sensitiveness. The background combo, made up of first-class musicians and led by Oscar Peterson, performs with great concentration and almost obtrusive unobtrusiveness. Verve’s highly successful producer Norman Granz decided quite deliberately to make the recording in the studio instead of at a live session. And success has verified his judgment, for such vocal jazz knows only gentle tones – but the result is all the more intensive for that.
Ella and Louis is an inspired collaboration, masterminded by producer Norman Granz. Both artists were riding high at this stage in their careers, and Granz assembled a stellar quartet of Oscar Peterson (piano), Buddy Rich (drums), Herb Ellis (guitar) and Ray Brown (bass). Equally inspired was the choice of material, with the gruffness of Armstrong’s voice blending like magic with Fitzgerald’s stunningly silky delivery. Outstanding are Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” and “Isn’t This a Lovely Day,” and everything else works like a dream, with the golden star going to the Gershwin brothers’ “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” Gentle and sincere, this is deserving of a place in every home.

• Cut from the Absolute Original Analog Master Tapes!