Ella Fitzgerald - Do nothin' till you hear from me / I got it bad (and that aint good)

Norman Granz's documentary "Improvisation" (part 11)

Ella Fitzgerald (vcl), Paul Smith (p), Keter Betts (b), Mickey Rocker (d)

1979

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[wsirota2007]

For my money, Ella gave definitive direct readings of the song early in her career - her early versions were absolutely heart-wrenching. This version was fantastic, but it's a variant - a singer who didn't know the song couldn't learn it from this, it wanders too far. And I agree that it doesn't deliver the emotional impact of the words with original intent. But this is a connoisseur's version, and it is stunning.

Has more from this concert been posted? I'd love to see it!

[OscarPetersonFan]

@wsirota2007 I'm sorry, this is the only song I have. It's taken from a documentary hosted by Norman Granz called "Improvisation". If I find it, be sure I'll post it!

[79barkingspider]

I never liked this version of the song. Not denying Ella's obvious talent, but this is much too stylized and doesn't fit the lyrics. The scat singling doesn't work at all. I much prefer later Mose Allison, not the 1959 version. Even Diane Krall does a better job. If Melody Gardot sung it, no one would even bother listening to Ella's version. Do ahead, bash away!

[OscarPetersonFan]

@79barkingspider Hey! great comment! Even when I don't agree with you, it's great to have a justified different oppinion, it always contributes. Thanks!

[MrJohnETaylor]

This takes my breath away. Ella is so much more than a jazz singer ... she redefines singing as a spiritual experience. The clarity and purity of her voice is just stunningly beautiful. Thankyou for posting this.

[OscarPetersonFan]

@MrJohnETaylor You're welcome! If I find more from this concert, I'll upload it!

[terrryc]

Arguably the best version ever recorded.  Wanna fight?

[africanbella28]

@79barkingspider i loved ella's version of the song she is one of the best singers ever and most people cannot compare to her its so refreshing to see someone perform without lipsinging and sound damn good doing it there will never be another ella miss you girl!

[lisargiles]

Genius. Chills. The end.

[MrAdamWayneGistarb]

I love her but I like the Louis Armstrong version better. The beat fits my personality much better.

[Snoet19]

I miss Ella... even though i am 16.

[seahamm]

there must be some wonderful music being made up in heaven , because they have not been replaced .

[GatameOne]

@terrryc Terry you rock!!!!

[juancpgo]

@79barkingspider Shut up man, I dont believe you think that. Jazz is all about improvisating and "recreating" music. That´s the whole beauty of it. I just cried here listening to it. There´s no prettier voice than Ella's. This video is the best of ger i've found on you tube.

[johnniebwalkin]

@79barkingspider i looked both of those up just to see what u meant. and im just disagreeing on the fact ellas voice is so amazing. that is all :)