The last time April Varner graced these hallowed pages was when I reviewed her album Winter Songs. It was an enjoyable album but because of its seasonal, Christmassy material had, I would guess, a limited shelf life. Not so Ella. In 2023 April Varner won the International Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition so it comes as no surprise to find April up to the task of paying tribute to the late First Lady.
This she does with her own interpretation of songs related to Ella. She does this quite magnificently with no more than a hint towards the originals. The silky tone of the Varner voice turns the lyrics into classic jazz poetry that she wraps around the listeners enslaving them for life.
Although it's a tribute to Ella it could just as easily, with the obvious exception of A-Tisket, A-Tasket, be a tribute to Sinatra although Frank never went as far out on a limb as Ella (or April) did (does).
The band are all swinging first-callers. Cohen's piano, Nakamura's bass, Owen Jr.'s drums and the various horn soloists all have individual outings but it's the unit as a whole that spurs Varner on to what is currently the front runner in the vocal stakes although Pizzarelli's Bennett tribute is pushing her close.
If you liked Ella (and who didn't?) you'll love this. Lance
A-Tisket, A-Tasket; I've Got You Under my Skin; Dream a Little Dream of me; Night and Day; I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night/In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning; Cheek to Cheek; Mr. Paganini; Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered; Fly me to the Moon; Undecided.
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