In celebration  of jazz singer legend Ella Fitzgerald’s Centeninal, Birdland is doing a two week celebration.  On April 18, Ann Hampton Callaway started a ten performance week with two shows each night at 8 & 10:30 pm.
Ann explored a lot of Ella’s repertoire also imparting information about Ella’s life.  She sang such classics as “How High the Moon,” “Mr. Paganini,” “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and included her specialty of writing her own song with suggestionos from the audience.
Ann had recorded an Ella Fitzgerald CD she had sent to Ella.  Unfortunately, the great vocalist had passed away before she was able to hear it.
Ann was backed by her all-star jazz quartet, Matt Baker on the piano, Dean Johnson, bass, Tim Horner, drums and Benny Benack III on trumpet.

Dean Johnson, Tim Horner, Ann, Matt Baker, Benny Benack III

Jane Monheit begins her Ella tribute on April 25.
Photos: Maryann Lopinto