Start your summer reading with Stuart Nicholson's biography of the First Lady of Song, which includes an authoritative discogaphy by Phil Schaap.  The Jazz Journal praises the book as one that "places others well and truly in the shade".

Also included in this offering is the Jazz Icons DVD: "Ella Live in '57 and '63".  1957 places Ella in Belgium singing such classics as "It Don't Mean a Thing (if it ain't got that swing) and "Lullaby of Birdland".  1963's performance is in Sweden and includes Ella singing "Mack The Knife" and "Just One of Those Things".  There's 25 Tracks in all!  Included as well is a 16 page booklet with liner notes by Will Friedwald, rare photos and a moving foreword by Ella's son, Ray Brown. Jr.