Thursday, February 5, 2015

#21: Billie Holiday: First Issue: The Great American Songbook


Details: Billie Holiday (1915-1959): First Issue: The Great American Songbook.  Verve, 1994. Total time (2 discs): 136:42.

I am pretty certain that this one was once my late father's. This two-disc set is invaluable.  One of the all-time great American singers and a generous collection of her recordings of about 40 of the best standards from the great American songbook--American classical music in a way. 

The instantaneously recognizable voice of Billie Holiday, rich with character, the emotions of her vocals as visible as a smile, as tangible as a tear. She is supported by superb musicians--pianists,  drummers,  horn players and so on. 

The instantaneously recognizable songs: Day In, Day Out. Our Love Is Here To Stay. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road). A Foggy Day. Classic songs from the best songwriters: Rodgers & Hart, Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Ellington, Mercer, Berlin, Van Heusen, Arlen.

And that Voice. So human with perfect imperfections. This is great artistry and so help me if it ever goes out of style or is forgotten....

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