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Billie Holiday: Blue Billie

By Jim Santella
July 1, 2002
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Few singers could interpret with the conviction Billie Holiday used in delivering her musical love letters. She had a personal appeal that led us to believe we were listening to a dear relative sing, and that the audience was just us. Whether she was eyeing the waterfront in search of a soon-to-return loved one, or complaining mildly about the way he treats her, Billie Holiday made it all come to life through her recordings. This compilation includes selections that were originally recorded between 1935 and 1942 with various accompanying ensembles and released on vinyl through OKeh, Brunswick, Columbia and Vocalion. The emphasis is on Holiday's natural vocal manner. Some selections exhibit a loping Dixieland mood and others appear with a sensual gravity that can only come through life's experiences. We've all been there.

This recommended compilation includes integral instrumental solos by Roy Eldridge, Buster Bailey, Eddie Thompkins, Johnny Hodges, Dave Barbour, Artie Shaw, Bunny Berigan, Benny Goodman, Hot Lips Page, Tab Smith (on soprano saxophone), Benny Carter (both on clarinet and alto saxophone), and Teddy Wilson.

Track Listing

1. Gloomy Sunday

Personnel

Billie Holiday

vocals

2. Trav'lin All Alone 3. Body and Soul 4. Where Is The Sun 5. You Let Me Down 6. God Bless The Child 7. Billie's Blues 8. I Cover The Waterfront 9. Moanin' Low 10. Am I Blue 11. Loveless Love 12. Night and Day 13. St. Louis Blues 14. Why Was I Born? 15. Ghost of Yesterday 16. Long Gone Blues

Album information

Title: Blue Billie | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Sony Music

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