Almost 45 years have passed since the death of 'Lady Day'. About 50 years ago she could be seen and heard in just a few rare concerts outside the USA. Alcohol, drugs, affairs and racial discrimination in the USA had all left their mark on her and only her voice served as a reminder of her great successes. It is thanks to Norman Granz that Billie Holiday signed a new, lucrative contract with Verve / Clef in the early Fifties. He drew the very best musicians into the studio and paid for excellent arrangers so that Billie had an opportunity to sing her old songs once again and record them for posterity in the very best sound quality. Recorded between 1954 and 1956, "Lady Sings The Blues" features some of her best-loved jazz-blues numbers, including a never-bettered version of "Strange Fruit", "Good Morning Heartache", "Trav'lin' Light", "I Must Have That Man", "God Bless the Child" and the fantastic title track of course. Holiday is at her heart-rending best here, her voice cracking with emotion and pain at times, which only adds to the brilliance of this set, and the amazing remastering means we get to hear every drum brush stroke and every horn note as well. Wonderful.
TRACK LISTING
Trav'lin' Light
I Must Have That Man!
Some Other Spring
Lady Sings The Blues
Strange Fruit
God Bless The Child
Good Morning, Heartache
No Good Man
Love Me Or Leave Me
Too Marvelous For Words
Willow Weep For Me
I Thought About You
P.S. I Love You