The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books

Notes

This huge (and expensive) 16 discs boxset covers the totality of Fitzgerald's Song Books serie that she made for Verve during the late 50s and early 60s.
It features major works drawn from the Great American Song Book, including from Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, George & Ira Gershwin, and Johnny Mercer.
Given its size, nature (and price), this set is not for everyone, and newcomers would certainly be better digging one of the smallest sampler that Verve made out of this (one of the The Best of the Song Books for example).
As well, jazz hardcore fans could find themselves disappointed if they don't already know the material, and actually expect scat and swing (this is orchestral, mostly, and not of the lightest ones...).
But any completist, any serious Ella's fans, or anybody interested in this major cultural event should really consider saving money to buy this superb set.
This specific disc covers the first part of the Cole Porter songbook.