(Review by Russell)
Leslie Woodhead's documentary film about the life of Ella Fitzgerald was released in May but it is only now that it has reached the north east of England. Full marks to Hexham's Forum Cinema for including it in its autumn schedule and to Tyne Valley residents for turning out in good number to watch Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things.
Talking heads were led by Ray Brown Jr. with others - including the class act that is Tony Bennett and Brits Laura Mvula and Jamie Cullum - making telling, indeed loving contributions. For much of the opening half of the film there was little of Ella in action as grainy black and white stills accompanied an excellent (it couldn't be anything else!) soundtrack. As the story moved on to the bop era and Ella's subsequent 'Songbook' albums masterminded by Norman Granz we saw more of the the legendary singer in action on concert stages across the world.
Woodhead's documentary examined Ella's difficult childhood years, a time in marked contrast to her six decades' career travelling the globe during which she was rarely at home. Biographer Will Friedwald offered expert insight analysing Ella's performance, in particular her legendary concert in pre-Wall Berlin.
Ella Fitgerald: Just One of Those Things is well worth catching. As and when it turns up at your local movie theatre don't miss it.
Following the screening seemingly half of those in the auditorium made a b-line for the cinema's Scott's cafe/bar. The Swing Bridge Trio set up in one corner of Scott's to play a set of swinging standards. Dan Martin, piano, Dave Parker, double bass and Peter Ninnim, drums opened with Irving Berlin's Cheek to Cheek and continued with Horace Silver's Song for My Father. The place standing room only, Cheek to Cheek if you will, and, with a bottle of Hadrian Border's Secret Kingdom in hand, your correspondent retired to Wetherspoon's ground floor Art Deco establishment.
Russell
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