963 Billie Holiday - Lady In Satin (1958)

 963 Billie Holiday - Lady In Satin (1958)

Studio album - Vocal Jazz


About the Act:

Billie Holiday was an American Jazz singer who had a turbulent early life, and started her career in nightclubs in Harlem. She had a rock and roll life before it became popular, including a period in jail for drug possession. She had a very distinctive and expressive voice with a strong warble that somehow combines gravel and silk. She had a long-term rivalry with Ella Fitzgerald.


About the Album:

This was her last but one album, and the last to be released before her death. It was recorded with bandleader Ray Ellis.


My History with this Album:

None.


Review:

Musically, this is croony songs with an almost orchestral band setting - lots of washy strings and brass - the sort of thing where you can imagine a conductor. In my youth I used to despise this kind of music, lumping together Frank Sinatra and others of his ilk as all the same.  It wasn't until I grew older that I became more discerning. Now I like some of it.

Billie Holiday had this amazing voice, instantly recognisable, it sounds rough and beaten up, but somehow strong and silky as well. While quite a bit of music of this type seems quite superficial, she sounds like she has invested at least some emotion in her performance. This is a slow and melancholy album in the main, suitable for a late night or for wallowing in when life is hard, best accompanied by coffee or whisky. You can wrap yourself in her voice and be swept along by the music. 

I confess I love it. 


7.7/10


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4LrLP7DM1KBj8r2Sc098JA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBPgjL4lSIU

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_in_Satin



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