by Scott Yanow
This LP is a classic. Ella Fitzgerald is heard at the peak of her powers during a Berlin concert that is famous for her unique version of &Mack the Knife&; when she forgot the words in mid-performance, she substituted spontaneous and remarkable lyrics of her own. All of the music (plus four other titles from the same concert) have been reissued on CD but, in one form or another, this music (which also includes a hot version of &How High the Moon&) is essential for all serious jazz collections.