There is no doubt that, even after many years since her passing, Ella Fitzgerald remains one of the greatest doyennes of vocal jazz, still able to amaze and delight.

Be warned: the music on this new compilation, ‘Jukebox Ella: The Complete Verve Singles, Vol. 2’, not only swings passionately but will also surprise you. For example, avoid doing what I did—listening casually to “Stomping at the Savoy” for the first time. It begins softly and relaxed, but I was brushing my teeth at the time (TMI) when I was caught off guard by the sudden, energetic swing and scatting into the second verse so I lost control of my electric toothbrush, which suddenly spun into the waste bin, splattering toothpaste everywhere as I froze, listening to what must have been an incredible live moment, with Ella, backed by Oscar Peterson’s trio, filling the hall with her rapid jazz scatting. When did she breathe? Even the audience at the Shrine Auditorium in 1957 couldn’t believe it! You can hear the announcer attempting to manage the applause that followed. Listening to that performance for the first time was worth the messy toothpaste cleanup.

Ella was the first lady of both jazz and Verve Records. Her debut album for the label, ‘Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book,’ played a significant role in establishing the label’s early success. Listening to these singles from Jukebox Ella Vol. 2 shows what a truly remarkable artist she was, both on stage and in the studio.

It features 50 singles and nearly 3 hours of music, ensuring that whatever your mood, you’ll find a tune to match it. Feeling melancholy? Ella’s interpretation of the McHugh/Washington tune ‘Reach For Tomorrow’ with its sublime lyrics – ‘…keep your head in the sky, you may get hurt, in a thousand ways, but give it one more try’ — will soothe you. Looking for some childlike joy? Only Ella could turn a children’s song into a true masterpiece. Who else can elevate Old MacDonald to the ultimate jazz experience?

Or do you want a wordless swinging tune where she joins in with the band as a vocal instrument? The Eldridge/Harding composition ‘Little Jazz‘, originally from her album ‘Ella Swings Lightly’, would be my recommendation. Are you love-lorn? Ella has got you. The Tinturin/Gordon/Lawrence song ‘What Will I Tell My Heart’ from her 1957 album ‘Like Someone in Love’, with the classic lyric — ‘I’m trying to explain to friends, dear. The reasons we two are apart. I know what to tell our friends, dear. But what can I tell my heart?’ — will hit the spot. 

Duke Ellington, in his book ‘Music is My Mistress’, reflected on recording the four-part movement suite ‘Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald‘ for the album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book. He noted that Ella is ‘…a personality of wonderful warmth… she gives so generously of her talent, not only to the public, but to the composers whose works she performs… in terms of musicianship, Ella is beyond category.’ Two of the Ellington compositions from her Duke songbook appear on this compilation – ‘Imagine My Frustration’, which blends underlying sensuality with crisp enunciation that elevates her interpretation, and ‘Duke’s Place’, which begins with the horn section, followed by Ella unleashing a high note as she joins in, harmonising with the brass.

This new Jukebox Vol 2 compilation features many gems to discover and enjoy. How Ella begins ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’ with a climb through her full three-octave vocal range before the band joins in, or the captivating duet of Ella with Louis Armstrong on ‘Can’t We Be Friends’, originally from the 1956 album ‘Ella and Louis’.

This is the kind of musical magic you simply can’t replicate. You either have it or you don’t. Ella had perfect pitch and improvisation skills; her ‘ear’ is unmatched, but it also serves as a lesson in what musical freedom sounds like — that ‘play’ as an artist isn’t just about the notes; it’s about the ability to be fearless, to let your musical imagination roam freely without limits. The jukebox also honours songwriting by featuring many composers, from Cole Porter and Gershwin to The Beatles, while showcasing Ella Fitzgerald’s extraordinary talent for interpreting a song. 

Jukebox Ella: The Complete Verve Singles Vol. 2 brought back memories of seeing Ella perform live at the Royal Albert Hall. Later, as other fans and I gathered at the stage door, hoping to see her up close, I shouted, “We love you, Ella,” as she emerged, prompting her to turn around and reply, “Love you too, baby!” This compilation rekindled that moment for me, celebrating the magic of a vocalist who should always be recognised as the queen of jazz.

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Jumoké Fashola is a journalist, broadcaster and vocalist who currently presents a range of Arts & Culture programmes on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 & BBC London.  

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_{Header image: Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald, New York, N.Y., ca. Nov. 1946. Photo: William P. Gottlieb / Library of Congress.}