Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Billie Holiday: Blue Billie

185

Billie Holiday: Blue Billie

By

Sign in to view read count
Billie Holiday: Blue Billie
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

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

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.