FITZGERALD, Ella + PETERSON, Oscar.

Description

February/March 1955 UK concert tour program

Original vintage concert program produced for Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson’s ten-date nationwide tour of Great Britain during February and March 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. Peterson 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.

In original orange and black matte-coated wrappers, staple bound, 18.7 x 24.6 cm, 8 pp. In near excellent complete condition, tightly bound and clean. Additional images of the program available on request.