Easy Living by Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass is one of six new reissues by The Concord Music Group in their ongoing Original Jazz Classics Remasters Series.
Ella Fitzgerald was considered an American icon by the time she passed away in 1996, after a nearly six decade career. She was considered one of the unique and innovative vocalists in jazz history and she sold tens of millions of albums during her the course of her career.
Joe Pass, 1929-1994, is sometimes a forgotten musician, but his innovative use of chord changes and phrasing would influence a generation of jazz guitarists. Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass came together during 1973 and over the next 13 years would record four studio albums together, and their label would release a number of live recordings. Pass and Fitzgerald would also form a relationship on stage as he would augment her basic trio upon occasion, plus they would perform as just a duo from time to time.
Fitzgerald recorded a number of albums with the piano as the primary melodic instrument, but it was her time as the foil for Pass’ guitar virtuosity that would push her into new vocal territory and challenge her to explore different styles and sounds.
Easy Living was released during 1986 and was their final studio album together. By this time they had settled into an easy going musical relationship. Pass would follow Fitzgerald’s vocal leads effortlessly. Her ability to change tone and even lyrics and Pass’ ability to not only follow her but to provide instrumental backing and balance speaks well for the quality of their relationship. The songs have a jam like feel at its most basic.
The 15 tracks from the original release are presented with a new clarity due to 24-bit remastering. New liner notes give a history of the album's recording process. Also presented are the original liner notes by Benny Green. Two alternative takes are included as bonus tracks.
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