Ella Fitzgerald – Let No Man Write My Epitaph(200g 45 rpm 2LP)

Analogue Productions (Verve) – AVRJ 4043-45 – 200 Gram Virgin Vinyl
Mastered By George Marino at Sterling Sound
AAA 100% Analogue – 45RPM – Limited Edition – Pressed at QRP
The Absolute Sound Super Disc List 2016 TAS Harry Pearson Super LP List

TAS Audiophile Demo Disc
2014 Stereophile Magazine Record to Die For!

Considered one of Ella Fitzgerald’s greatest recordings, 1960’s Let No Man Write My Epitaph finds ‘The First Lady of Song’ accompanied by Paul Smith (piano) on a fine collection of tunes that includes “I Cried for You,” “Angel Eyes” and “My Melancholy Baby.” The album hits at a depth of emotional understanding that critics often complained was missing in Ella’s reading of jazz lyrics, and once again establishes her as one of the supreme interpreters of the Great American Songbook.

This album is a rare gem, a 1960 duo session featuring Ella Fitzgerald singing classic ballads, which she performed in the film Let No Man Write My Epitaph, with pianist Paul Smith as her sole accompanist. While the fidelity is superb, In any case, Ella’s gift for capturing the essence of each melody is matched by Smith’s flawless backing for her, especially in her powerful interpretation of “Angel Eyes” and the loping “One for My Baby (And One for the Road).” There’s no doubt that the missing songs, which include “I Hadn’t Anyone Till You,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,”
Analogue Productions has done a masterful job in re-mastering Let No Man Write My Epitaph Paul Smith’s piano is crisp and full of texture. More importantly, the lead instrument (Fitzgerald’s voice) is captured with warmth and pristine detail (especially on the lower register vibrato). This is another landmark recording of an American institution.