Verve Records is releasing a newly unearthed live recording from the late, great Ella Fitzgerald, titled The Moment of Truth. This album, set to drop on February 28, 2025, showcases Fitzgerald's clear, strong, and vibrant vocals, backed by the Duke Ellington Orchestra's wind instruments. With only a single shared for review, the glimpse provided ensures an exciting highlight to Fitzgerald's reputation as a renowned live performer.

Ella’s vocals are so clear, strong, and vibrant with the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s wind section layering in the background. As we understand in today’s world, the ability to take the analog recording and upgrade to today’s high-end clarity has marvelous benefits. As the press statement shares, “The resulting recordings underscore Fitzgerald’s reputation as a renowned live performer (“utter perfection, personified” —The New York Times).”

Ella is backed by the trio of Jimmy Jones on piano; Bob Cranshaw on bass; and Sam Woodyard on drums. And with the further wonderful layer of music coming from members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The line-up follows:


Trumpets: Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams
Trombones: Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors, Buster Cooper
Reeds: Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope


Here’s the playlist:
1. The Moment Of Truth - 2:52
2. Don’t Be That Way - 4:33
3. You’ve Changed - 4:37
4. Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) - 4:43
5. Bye Bye Blackbird - 5:02
6. Alfie - 5:43
7. In A Mellow Tone - 4:41
8. Music To Watch Girls By - 3:56
9. Mack The Knife - 4:53


This was recorded at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA on June 30, 1967. Dang, I was only 16 years old resident of Oakland, and probably wouldn’t have fully embraced it so sincerely like I would be today!

And a question: how many more of such tucked-away gems need to be “unearthed”?