Billie or Ella? Maria or Renata? Technique or feeling?

How 'bout virtuosity in the pursuit of emotional expression? Ah, that's the ticket! Then again, if I just had to choose one it'd be heart over brain any day.

Ella's best years are the Decca and early Verve. Particularly with minimal accompaniment.  

"vocal fireworks make for precious little emotion." Maybe you're referring to the later 60's and forward schmaltzy, overproduced "pop" Ella that many think of when she's mentioned?

Billie's work up  thru the 50's is where she peaked.

Billie vs. Ella? You can't go there....you just can't!

@chowkwan

I understand your point. When I was introduced to jazz music Ella was my go to female vocalist. With more exposure and experience my preferences have changed. I much prefer Sarah Vaughan and definitely Carmen McRae. More interesting, compelling and emotionally engaging. They pull me into the music in a way that Ella just does not for me. Another example, early on Oscar Peterson, later, Thelonious Monk. Same reason. Certainly, horses for courses.

Charles

@danager I don’t know about opera

This one's for you.

Thnx for the Riff Raff - great name for a group. 

@tablejockey Black Coffee b gr8. Is there anything it can't do?

All seriousness aside, I'll have the pleasure of checking out early Ella which I confess to not having explored.

@tablejockey Maybe you're referring to the later 60's and forward schmaltzy, overproduced "pop" Ella that many think of when she's mentioned?

Well early 60's. Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!

We are lucky to have Audiogon where you get in depth knowledgeable posts.

I wuz jus reading about how motorcycle forums died under the withering influence of twitter.