This series of live jazz concerts was devised by Fitzgerald's manager Norman Granz; they ran from 1944 to 1983.

Featured on this occasion, in 1957, are Fitzgerald and the leading jazz players of the day in an onstage jam session.

The first half of the 1990 CD edition includes a performance that was recorded on September 29, 1957, at the Chicago Opera House, whilst the second half highlights the concert recorded on October 7, 1957, at the Shrine Auditorium, in Los Angeles.

This album is typical of Ella's concert repertoire in the mid 1950s, singing swing standards, and songs referencing her recent 'Songbook' series, in this case, the Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart songbooks.

Tracks 10-18 recorded in mono on the 7th of October 1957 at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles.