Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald,

Symphony Hall

The magic of legendary jazz diva Ella Fitzgerald was recreated by one of Britain’s most accomplished singers, Claire Martin, with spectacular orchestral accompaniment from the City of Birmigham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) under conductor John Wilson.

Claire was in magnificent voice for such Ella classics as Manhattan, The Lady Is A Tramp and Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.

Highlights included a strongly swinging Cheek To Cheek, a sublime ballad version of But Not For Me, and an emotionally charged How About Me?

At times Claire seemed to lack confidence with the lyrics, glancing anxiously at her music stand, but this was a huge amount of repertoire to learn for a one-off performance.

Orchestral soloists deserve special credit, particularly alto saxophonist Howard McGill for soulful work on This Time The Dream’s On Me, and trombonist Andrew Wood on Too Late Now. Guitarist Martin Kershaw, a studio session veteran who once worked with Ella, swung with ease.

Conductor Wilson writes superb transcriptions of Nelson Riddle’s arrangements. Few conductors can get such large orchestral forces to swing, but Wilson succeeds admirably.

By John Watson