FITZGERALD, Ella + PETERSON, Oscar.

Description

Royal Albert Hall, London February 1955 concert flyer


Original vintage first printing two-fold brochure advertising Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson at the Royal Albert Hall in London [England] on Tuesday, 22nd February, 1955, presented by Harold Fielding. In early 1955 Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson were busy touring continental Europe with Norman Granz’ Jazz At The Philharmonic, the fourth European JATP tour, visiting Stockholm, Copenhagen, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Zürich, Basel, Geneva, Lyon and Paris. Due to the British Musicians’ Union’s ban on American “dance musicians”, only Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson were allowed to continue the tour in Britain. Fitzgerald because she wasn’t considered a musician as such, and Peterson because he was a Canadian citizen. They were backed by drummer Tony Kinsey and bassist Sammy Stokes of the Tony Kinsey Quintet. For some reason American pianist Don Abney was allowed to accompany Ella Fitzgerald. Originally the Tony Kinsey Quartet was announced to have their own spot, but this was vetoed by impresario Norman Granz. Music weekly Melody Maker called the announcement that Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson would tour Britain “one of the most welcome headlines” it had run. The tour commenced at the Royal Albert Hall on 22nd February and ended at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester on 7th March, 1955.

Original typographical two-fold brochure, 16.5 x 20.6 cm (folded), printed in dark blue ink on thin, cream colored paper stock. There is a faint paperclip mark to the top left corner, else in excellent condition. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have concerning this item. Additional images of the flyer available on request.