Norman Granz is one of the most important non-musicians in the history of jazz, and no one has made a greater contribution to the staging, recording and filming of jazz concerts. This series of performances from the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival makes a part of this legacy available now, after digital video & sound remastering, like never before.

This concert is the perfect example of how to "swing." The ideal combination of Ella Fitzgerald, at the height of her powers in 1979, with the Count Basie Orchestra and accompanied by the great man himself, leads to a sublime evening with versions of Ella's classics. Ella's performance on this concert won her the 1980 GRAMMY award for best jazz vocal.

ELLA FITZGERALD - Vocals

PAUL SMITH - Piano

KETER BETTS - Bass

MICKEY ROKER - Drums

The Count Basie Orchestra :

COUNT BASIE - Piano (on "Basella" only)

Ray Brown, Paul Cohen, Sonny Cohn, Pete Minger - Trumpets

Bill Hughes, Mel Wanzo, Dennis Wilson, Mitchell "Booty" Wood - Trombones

Danny Turner, Bobby Plater - Alto saxophones

Eric Dixon, Kenny Hing - Tenor saxophones

Charlie Fowlkes - Baritone saxophone

Freddie Green - guitar

A concert produced by Norman Granz, presented by Jacques Muyal/ Laser Swing Productions