Ella Fitzgerald in Berlin: Mack the Knife
“This recording showcases how great jazz musicians create their best music under pressure and with no time to consciously go through all the options that might solve a particular musical dilemma.
Her selections include Ella Fitzgerald’s “In a Mellow Tone,” Sarah Vaughan’s “Black Coffee,” Aretha Franklin’s “God Bless The Child,” Alicia Keys’ “Diary,” Roberta Flack’s “Ballad of the Sad Young Men” and Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?”
Vibraphonist Warren Wolf, whose April show at Scullers was cancelled due to the pandemic, has a playlist that resonates with positive vibes, including:
Warren Wolf: Reincarnation
“This is my fourth recording for the Mack Ave label that is a hybrid of jazz and R&B music.”
To liven things up during the day, Bridgewater turns to music by Aretha Franklin (“when I want to dance”), James Brown and Catherine Russell.
Carrington’s list included Sonny Rollins; the great duet between Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles on “Spirit in the Dark,” recorded live at Fillmore West in 1971; and “Whoza Mtwana,” by South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim.
