REVIEW: Pure Love: The Voice of Ella Fitzgerald

Into each life some rain must fall But too much is fallin' in mine Into each heart some tears must fall But some day the sun will shine

Ella Fitzgerald's brazen yet dulcet tones have influenced those of all ages and genres for nigh on 70 years. In this documentary, director Katja Duregger examines the phenomena of the "first lady of music" on what would be her 100th birthday - from her incredibly diverse vocal styles to her subtle ties with the American Civil Rights movement.

Though somewhat amateurish and non-linear in production, the feature succeeds in capturing the gut-wrenching sincerity of Fitzgerald's vocal style (and yes, that include scat), as well as her impact on individuals around her. Throughout the film, use of skilfully-embedded archive footage - narrated by a number of contemporary jazz singers - is often potent enough to bring a tear to the eye: though, realistically, this is probably more to do with the poignancy of Fitzgerald's artistry than that of the film itself.

Overall, Pure Love proved an apt finale to Manchester's Doc'n'Roll film festival, examining one of music's greatest treasures with a sense of tender clarity.

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