New Music: Ella Fitzgerald, Howdy Glenn, Belle and Sebastian

Not even a month into 2023 and there are already great audio releases worth celebrating and adding to any music lover's library!

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald
Title: Live At Montreux 1969 (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Ella Fitzgerald, vocal jazz music

Tell me more: A truly historic and essential recording, Ella Fitzgerald: Live At Montreux 1969 is being released by Mercury Studios and will be available on audio CD and LP on Jan. 20, 2023. Originally released on DVD in 2005, this marks the first time this concert recording is being made available on audio formats. Live At Montreux 1969 captures the "First Lady of Song" in the first of her five legendary performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Fitzgerald's breathtaking singing and complete command of a diverse set of 14 songs thrills with every note. There are classic jazz favorites already familiar to audiences of the time ("Give Me The Simple Life," "I Won't Dance," "That Old Black Magic"), as well as her artful versions of classic rock material (including a soulful take on Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and joyful reading of The Beatles' "Hey Jude"). Her signature scat delivery is featured on the dazzling "Useless Landscape," a number further defined by the virtuoso playing of pianist Tommy Flanagan (along with bassist Frank De La Rosa and drummer Ed Thigpen). Her bewitching version of Dionne Warwick's "This Girl's In Love With You" and an explosive performance of "A Man And A Woman" are other highlights on the enthralling collection. The concert encore includes the impressive rapid-fire "Scat Medley" and beautiful "A House Is Not A Home." Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Howdy Glenn
Title: I Can Almost See Houston (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, George Jones

Tell me more: Before I slipped I Can Almost See Houston in my CD player I had never heard of country music singer Howdy Glenn. Indeed the new release (available Jan. 20 via Omnivore Recordings) is the first-ever collection of songs from Glenn available on audio CD and it's a wonderful introduction to the talented California artist. Featuring all known recordings from Glenn, an impressive array of 23 selections recorded between 1975 and 1980 span the 78-minute disc. As detailed in Scott B. Bomar's instructional liner notes, Glenn was among a handful of Black country music artists who made a mark on the national charts or the public consciousness in the 20th century. A full-time firefighter in Southern California, Glenn won the 1974 "Trucker's Jamboree" at the Hollywood Palladium and scored a recording career; his wonderful cover of Willie Nelson's "Touch Me" spent six weeks on the charts, and he was nominated for the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist award. But even the most talented of artists sometime never find the acclaim or national recognition they are owed. I Can Almost See Houston showcases Glenn's top-tier vocals that draws comparisons with some of the 1970s greatest country music singers ranging from Charley Pride and George Jones to Merle Haggard. Standouts include the yearning title track, honky tonk-mining "You'll Remember Me," beautiful "Where Did The Years Go," a soaring "That Lucky Old Sun" (an especially emotional performance), and tender "When You Were Blue and I Was Green." Along with the previously-noted liner notes, the 20-page booklet that comes with the audio CD includes a wealth of historic photos and ephemera. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Belle and Sebastian
Title: Late Developers (Matador Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Belle and Sebastian, The Zombies

Tell me more: Without fanfare indie Scottish troupe Belle and Sebastian released their 12th studio album on Jan. 13; Late Developers was issued a mere eight months after the release of 2022's A Bit of Previous but features the expansive craft of a masterwork years in the making. Fans of Belle and Sebastian will be thrilled with the winning 11-track set that spans 42 minutes. The album's highlights are plentiful; the 1960s-spirted opener "Juliet Naked" features band frontman Stuart Murdoch lamenting the folly of romance. Other early album standouts include the propulsive melody-fueled gem "Give A Little Time" featuring Sarah Martin on lead vocals, the wistful "When We Were Very Young," the Baroque ballad "Will I Tell You a Secret," and garage rocker "So In The Moment." The album's magic path continues courtesy of sonic nuggets like the shimmering "The Evening Star," driving "When You're Not With Me" and sumptuous "When The Cynics Stare Back From The Wall." Information: belleandsebastian.com.

Robert Kinsler

Ella Fitzgerald Live at Montreux 1969 out January 20, 2023

A historic 1969 recording featuring legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald is coming to audio CD and digital formats on Jan. 20, 2023...Robert Kinsler

EXPERIENCE THE FIRST LADY OF SONG LIVE

ELLA FITZGERALD

LIVE AT MONTREUX 1969

~AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON CD AND LP~

~JANUARY 20, 2023 via MERCURY STUDIOS~

PRE-ORDER LINK HERE

To witness the great Ella Fitzgerald live was beyond a mere concert – it was an experience. An innovator of scat singing and jazz improvisation, this celebrated singer left audiences breathless as she uniquely interpreted musical touchstones of the American Songbook. On January 20, Mercury Studios will release one of those very special performances with Ella Fitzgerald: Live At Montreux 1969 on CD and LP. Originally released on DVD in 2005, this is the first time this concert is being made available on audio formats. Live At Montreux 1969 captures Ella’s very first performance at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival – an event that she would return to several times in the years to come. On this special night, she was joined by the Tommy Flanagan Trio for a set list traversing American classics and contemporary hits. Ella delivers her smooth, timeless renditions of “I Won’t Dance” and “That Old Black Magic”, along with her inspired takes on Paul McCartney’s “Hey Jude”, Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love”, and Dionne Warwick’s “This Girl’s In Love With You”. There is no denying the potency of Ella Fitzgerald’s work, from her dynamic, instantly recognizable vocal range to her one-of-a-kind scat-phrasing, which set a precedent for jazz music and beyond. An American treasure of the highest caliber, Fitzgerald’s influence is an essential thread woven into musical history. This is brilliantly displayed on Ella Fitzgerald: Live At Montreux 1969. Track Listing: LP: Side A: 1. Give Me The Simple Life 2. This Girl’s In Love With You 3. I Won’t Dance 4. A Place For Lovers 5. That Old Black Magic 6. I Love You Madly 7. Trouble Is A Man Side B: 1. Sunshine Of Your Love 2. Well Alright Okay You Win 3. Hey Jude 4. Scat Medley 5. A House Is Not A Home CD: 1. Give Me The Simple Life 2. This Girl’s In Love With You 3. I Won’t Dance 4. A Place For Lovers 5. That Old Black Magic 6. Useless Landscape 7. I Love You Madly 8. Trouble Is A Man 9. A Man And A Woman 10. Sunshine Of Your Love 11. Well Alright Okay You Win 12. Hey Jude 13. Scat Medley 14. A House Is Not A Home

About Mercury Studios: Mercury Studios is a multi-faceted content studio established to develop, produce, globally distribute and invest in innovative, music-rooted storytelling across a range of media including film, television, podcasting, publishing and live-streamed performance. Taking its name from the iconic Mercury Records label, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and creates an open space for experimentation to unleash and amplify both emerging and established artists. With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios harnesses its established relationships with best-in-class talent from music and film, seamlessly bridging the two worlds to create a completely distinctive community of trailblazers driven by original IP, innovation and collaboration. ABOUT THE ELLA FITZGERALD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation was created and funded in 1993 by Ella Fitzgerald in order to fulfill her desires to use the fruits of her success to help people of all races, cultures and beliefs. Fitzgerald hoped to make their lives more rewarding, and she wanted to foster a love of reading, as well as a love of music. In addition, she hoped to provide assistance to the at-risk and disadvantaged members of our communities - assistance that would enable them to achieve a better quality of life. The Board of Directors of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation seeks to continue Ella Fitzgerald's goals by making charitable grants serving four major areas of interest: Creating educational and other opportunities for children; fostering a love and knowledge of music; including assistance to students of music the provision of health care; food, shelter and counseling to those in need and specific areas of medical care and research with an emphasis on Diabetes, vision problems and heart disease.

Media release - 'Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things' Virtual Cinema release starts June 26

Eagle Rock Entertainment presents a virtual cinema release of

'Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things'

~STARTING JUNE 26, 2020~
~TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

New York, NY (June 4, 2020)--This summer, Eagle Rock Entertainment is delighted to announce the virtual cinema release of Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things -- the much heralded, critically acclaimed documentary about the one-and-only “First Lady Of Jazz.” Tickets and trailer available now at Eventive.

Originally scheduled to be released this past April in cinemas nationwide, the theatrical run of Just One Of Those Things was cancelled due to COVID-19. Now, Eagle Rock invites movie lovers to see the film from home, even while supporting their local movie theaters. TV viewing apps are also available for AppleTV, Roku and AndroidTV.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Leslie Woodhead and produced by novelist Reggie Nadelson, Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things reveals an intimate history of a beloved icon. Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film includes interviews with Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Itzhak Perlman, Norma Miller, the late Andre Previn, and a rare conversation with Ella Fitzgerald’s son, Ray Brown Jr.

Ella Fitzgerald is a cherished American figure: her brilliant singing included unsurpassed scat vocalizations. She covered most of a century, excelling in Swing, Pop, Bebop and redefined the Great American Songbook. Her tenacity allowed her to break barriers and chart a powerful course as a woman of color in the male-dominated music business. She fought for Civil Rights. She earned 13 Grammys, the NAACP Equal Justice Award, and the American Black Achievement Award, among others, and sold over 40 million albums throughout her six-decade career.

Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things gives viewers a chance to get to know and understand Ella. Losing her mother at the age of 15, Ella endured life in an abusive reform school before escaping to the streets of Harlem. Penniless and alone during The Great Depression, her fate changed in 1934, after she won one of the first amateur nights at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem. She made a brilliant career even as she suffered racism, poverty, sexism. Ella, as everybody knew her, was the rare female bandleader when she was only nineteen. She worked with Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman. But like so many professional women, she struggled to reconcile her role as a world-famous performer and her private life. Married to Bebop’s innovative bassist Ray Brown, she didn’t have the time to enjoy a domestic life with him and their son, Ray, Jr. Throughout the documentary, we follow Ella as she endures these conflicts -- her trials and her triumphs -- gaining a clearer music of this woman, and what fueled her timeless voice.

Now, in these trying times, Ella’s spirit resonates more than ever. As stated in this clip by Tony Bennett in the film, “She never made a political statement except the one that I heard her say... was only three words, and it was the most complete definition of the ignorance of the world and the way they treat African Americans. She said ‘Tony, we’re all here.’ In three words, she said the whole thing.”

“Her Majesty’s reign in jazz warmly celebrated”
– Mojo

“This profile explores the jazz great’s extraordinary journey across give decades, covering some of the most tumultuous years of American history.”
– Daily Mail

Eagle Rock Entertainment shares new trailer for 'Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things'

Eagle Rock has announced the release of a new trailer for the upcoming film on the late, great Ella Fitzgerald...

Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things NEW TRAILER

In Theaters Starting April 3
VIEW TRAILER HERE

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to share this brand new trailer for Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things, which will be released in select theaters nationwide on April 3. View the trailer here.

Directed by the award-winning Leslie Woodhead and produced by journalist/novelist Reggie Nadelson, Just One Of Those Things is an intimate look at “The First Lady Of Jazz.” Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with such luminaries as Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Mathis, and a rare conversation with Ella’s son Ray Brown, Jr., this documentary traces Ella’s history from her youth on the streets of Harlem and her breakout performance at the famed Apollo Theater to the international renown she achieved as a pioneering jazz vocalist. Narrated by actress/singer Sharon D. Clarke, Just One Of Those Things explores the life of this revolutionary artist, whose musical innovation and spirit broke down barriers of racism and sexism.

Theaters locations are available at www.ellafitzgeraldmovie.com.

The Frank Sinatra Collection "The Timex Shows Vol. 1 & Vol. 2' coming to DVD, digital formats

Fans of Frank Sinatra will obviously be interested in getting these treasured television specials originally broadcast in 1959 and 1960. As if getting to see Sinatra perform wasn't treat alone, some of the era's other greats such as Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis Presley are also featured...

EAGLE ROCK ANNOUNCES THE NEXT ENTRIES IN

THE FRANK SINATRA COLLECTION

THE TIMEX SHOWS VOL. 1 & VOL 2.

~ON DVD AND DIGITAL FORMATS ON MAY 19, 2017~

New York, NY (March 6, 2017)-- On May 19, 2017, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release another pair of titles in The Frank Sinatra Collection on DVD and digital formats. On license from Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE), the definitive collection pulls together some of the finest performances on television and in concert from the greatest entertainer of the 20th century.

The Timex Shows Vol.1 
The Frank Sinatra Timex Show / An Afternoon With Frank Sinatra

The Frank Sinatra Collection brings together some of Frank Sinatra’s finest performances on television and in concert. This release combines his first two Timex TV shows from the late ‘50s.

THE FRANK SINATRA TIMEX SHOW – First broadcast by ABC on October 19, 1959. This was the first of four Timex-sponsored television specials that Sinatrahosted. It’s a fun and energetic show that captures Frank Sinatra at the top of his game. Guests include Dean Martin, Mitzi Gaynor and Bing Crosby, who join forces for an opening rendition of “High Hopes” and later Jimmy Durante makes a surprise appearance.

AN AFTERNOON WITH FRANK SINATRA – First broadcast by ABC on December 13, 1959, ‘An Afternoon With Frank Sinatra’ was the second of Sinatra’s four Timex television specials. The show includes guest appearances from Peter Lawford, Hermione Gingold, The Hi-Lo’s, Red Norvo’s jazz combo, dancer Juliet Prowse and the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. Sinatra sings such hits as “I’ve Got The World On A String,” "I'll Never Smile Again" and duets on "Can't We Be Friends" with Ella.

The Timex Shows Vol.2 
To The Ladies / Welcome Home Elvis

This release combines his two final Timex TV shows from 1960.

TO THE LADIES – First broadcast by ABC on February 15, 1960, ‘To The Ladies’ surrounded Frank Sinatra with a host of wonderful female performers for his third Timex-sponsored television special. It’s a mix of comedy, opera, dancing and great songs. Guests include Lena Horne, Mary Costa, Barbara Heller, Juliet Prowseand special guest star Eleanor Roosevelt.

WELCOME HOME ELVIS – First broadcast by ABC on May 12, 1960, ‘Welcome Home Elvis’ was Frank Sinatra’s fourth and final Timex special. It marked Elvis Presley’s first TV appearance after coming home from military service. Elvis performs “Fame And Fortune” and “Stuck On You” then Presley and Sinatra join forces on great renditions of “Witchcraft” and “Love Me Tender.” Joining in the fun is Nancy Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.

FULL TRACKLISTING INFORMATION

‘THE TIMEX SHOWS VOL. 1’

THE FRANK SINATRA TIMEX SHOW 
1) High Hopes (Bing Crosby/Dean Martin/Mitzi Gaynor) 2) Day In, Day Out (Frank Sinatra) 3) Together, Wherever We Go (Frank Sinatra/Bing Crosby/Dean Martin) 4) Hurricane (Mitzi Gaynor) 5) Talk To Me (Frank Sinatra/Mitzi Gaynor) 6) Cheek To Cheek (Bing Crosby/Dean Martin/Mitzi Gaynor) 7) Wrap Your Trouble In Dreams (Dean Martin 8) Medley: Good Old Songs/Down By The Old Mill Stream/The Old Gray Mare/In Shade Of The Old Apple Tree/That Old Feeling/Down The Old Ox Road/Old Rockin’ Chair/Old Devil Moon/You’re An Old Smoothie/My Old Flame/Ol’ Man River (Frank Sinatra/Bing Crosby/Dean Martin) 9) High Hopes (Frank Sinatra) 10) Medley: Just One Of Those Things/Angel Eyes/The Lady Is A Tramp (Frank Sinatra) 11) Medley: Start Each Day With A Song/Inka Dinka Doo/Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home (Frank Sinatra/Bing Crosby/Dean Martin/Mitzi Gaynor/Jimmy Durante)

AN AFTERNOON WITH FRANK SINATRA 
1) Spend The Afternoon With Me (Frank Sinatra) 2) I’ve Got The World On A String (Frank Sinatra) 3) The Desert Is Calling (The Hi-Lo’s) 4) Comes Love (Hermione Gingold/Peter Lawford) 5) There’s A Lull In My Life (Ella Fitzgerald) 6) It’s All Right With Me (Frank Sinatra) 7) Juliet Prowse Dance Routine 8) Too Marvelous For Words (Frank Sinatra/Red Norvo Quintet) 9) Here Is That Rainy Day (Frank Sinatra/Red Norvo Quintet) 10) Just You, Just Me (Ella Fitzgerald) 11) I’ll Never Smile Again (Frank Sinatra/The Hi-Lo’s) 12) Can’t We Be Friends (Frank Sinatra/Ella Fitzgerald) 13) Puttin’ On The Ritz (Hermione Gingold/Peter Lawford/Juliet Prowse) 14) He Loves And She Loves (Ella Fitzgerald) 15) Love Walked Right In (The Hi-Lo’s) 16) Our Love Is Here To Stay (Frank Sinatra) 17) Love Is Sweeping The Country (Frank Sinatra/Hermione Gingold/Peter Lawford/Juliet Prowse/Ella Fitzgerald)

‘THE TIMEX SHOWS VOL. 2’

TO THE LADIES 
1) Here’s To The Ladies (Frank Sinatra) 2) I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Frank Sinatra) 3) Ouvre Ton Coeur (Mary Costa) 4) By Strauss (Barbara Heller) 5) Ring The Bell (Lena Horne) 6) Come Cha Cha With Me (Juliet Prowse) 7) It’s A Lonesome Old Town (Frank Sinatra) 8) But Beautiful (Lena Horne) 9) From This Moment On (Lena Horne) 10) Harold Arlen Medley: As Long As I Live/It’s Only A Paper Moon/One For My Baby/Accentuate The Positive/Stormy Weather/Get Happy/Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Frank Sinatra/Lena Horne) 11) My Heart Stood Still (Frank Sinatra) 12) Yours Is My Heart Alone (Mary Costa) 13) Afraid Of Love (Barbara Heller) 14) My Heart Belongs To Daddy (Lena Horne) 15) My Funny Valentine (Juliet Prowse) 16) High Hopes (Eleanor Roosevelt) 17) Here’s To The Ladies (Frank Sinatra)

WELCOME HOME ELVIS 
1) It’s Nice To Go Trav’ling (Frank Sinatra/Joey Bishop/Sammy Davis Jr/Nancy Sinatra) 2) It’s Nice To Go Trav’ling (Frank Sinatra/Joey Bishop/Sammy Davis Jr/Nancy Sinatra/Elvis Presley) 3) Witchcraft (Frank Sinatra) 4) Come On Bess (Sammy Davis Jr) 5) Oriental Dance (Leona Irwin & The Tommy Hansen Dancers) 6) Gone With The Wind (Frank Sinatra) 7) Uh Oh! (Nutty Squirrels) 8) All The Way (Sammy Davis Jr) 9) Shall We Dance (Sammy Davis Jr/Peter Lawford) 10) Fame And Fortune (Elvis Presley) 11) Stuck On You (Elvis Presley) 12) Medley: Witchcraft/Love Me Tender (Frank Sinatra/Elvis Presley) 13) Medley: Witchcraft/Love Me Tender - Reprise (Frank Sinatra/Elvis Presley) 14) You Make Me Feel So Young (Frank Sinatra/Nancy Sinatra) 15) Let’s Dance (Nancy Sinatra)

About Frank Sinatra

Throughout his nine-decade career, Frank Sinatra performed on more than 1,400 recordings and was awarded 31 gold, nine platinum, three double platinum and one triple platinum album by the Recording Industry Associated of America. He extends his record to 57 for the most top 40 albums on the Billboard 200 with this year’s new Ultimate Sinatra release. Sinatra has had Top 40 hits on the charts for eight decades, which is as long as the Billboard charts have existed. He received nine GRAMMY Awards over the course of his career, including three for the prestigious Album of the Year, and an Oscar. Sinatra demonstrated a remarkable ability to appeal to every generation and continues to do so; his artistry still influences many of today’s music superstars. He also appeared in more than 60 films and produced eight motion pictures.

Sinatra was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy, The Screen Actors Guild and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Today, he remains a legend and an inspiration around the world for his contributions to culture and the arts.

About Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE)

Frank Sinatra Enterprises is a joint venture between the Sinatra family and Warner Music Group. FSE owns Sinatra’s recordings from the Reprise era as well as a treasure trove of films, television specials and unreleased footage, photos and audio recordings, which collectively represent one of the foremost bodies of artistic work of the modern era. FSE also owns and manages Sinatra’s name and likeness rights and represents the artist’s rights to the Columbia and Capitol catalogues. FSE pursues innovative new product and venture opportunities with respect to the legendary entertainer’s name and likeness, as well as Sinatra’s audio and visual recordings. (www.sinatra.com)