Yes, they've both been dead these 27 years or more, but this is a just-released compilation of eight absolutely indispensable duets between two of the greatest vocalists of the big band era (or in Ella's case, of all time). They're having a great time on these lighthearted songs, including "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)." On the live "Basin Street Blues," Ella suddenly launches into a quite passable imitation of Louis Armstrong's singing style that's so good-natured and delightful, I laughed aloud when I first heard it. Favorite tracks: "Stay With the Happy People," the toe-tapping "That's A-Plenty."
