Looking for more Billie Holiday

Posted by: drbri on 07 February 2005

Hi

I've been listening to Songs for Distingue Lovers and Lady in Satin a lot recently, also a couple of compilations (particularly Billie's Best on Verve). I'd like more, and there is a lot out there. I'd be greatful for some pointers.

Brian

Posted on: 07 February 2005 by Norman Clature

Brian,

Songs For Distingue Lovers is one of my all time favourite Jazz albums. For me a particularly appealing aspect is that Billie Holiday is part of the band on this album rather than the band being somewhat incidental. They just support her voice beautifully and work off each other to seamless perfection. I have heard a few Billie Holiday compilations or "best ofs" but all seemed to favour very short song formats of 2-3 minutes which I feel gives little opportunity to allow things to evolve and develop.And her voive was very forward in the mix to the detriment of the focus that could be applied to listening to the whole set of inputs from the group. Songs For Distingue Lovers gives every member of the band the chance to express with plenty of time permitted.

So if anyone knows of anything that compares I would also be interested.

Sorry Brian, hope I am not elbowing in on your query.

Cheers

Norman

Posted on: 08 February 2005 by Huwge

Billie on Decca is a favourite of mine

Posted on: 08 February 2005 by drbri

Norman,

I agree with you - that's why I like the Billie's Best compilation actually - it's from the same period, (45 - 59 on the cover, although the earliest is actually 52 on the disk. It's a compilation from a much larger US box set). Having said that, I'd also like to have a listen to more of her earlier recordings - I have a Columbia compilation called Love Songs which is primarily late 30s - the instruments blend a hell of a lot better with her voice since I got a CDX2, but that's another story

Cheers,

Brian

Posted on: 09 February 2005 by drbri

Thanks Huwge, I just ordered it.

Brian