Billie Holiday Albums (10)
What The Critics Say
This duo present a lot of very strong material that fans of either the Jayhawks or early Train love, beginning with the lovely, melodic and roots-flavored "Feel," which also harkens back to Golden Smog. A slight Latin feel on "40 Years" is odd but manages to flow easily thanks to the keen knack for songwriting partners Derric Oliver and Louis Caverly have. A horn is also thrown in with no harm done. The album takes off on the punchy "Am I Wrong?" which sounds like the Gin Blossoms listening to Tom Petty. It's also contains that good-time, toe-tapping feel of Dire Straits circa "The Bug." The downtrodden songs are just as gorgeous, especially during the gentle, lithe and swaying title tune and the equally impressive "Annie Anymore," the latter recalling a folksy style the Rembrandts could embrace before jamming things out. Things get quite soft and almost hymn-like on the fragile but infectiously melodic "Stop Right There." The true nugget, though, is the adorable "Out on a Limb" which ambles along before both singers take it to be next level. From pop they go into a rather bizarre country tune entitled "The Knot" with some fine banjo and fiddle playing. Another sleeper pick is train-rolling "Annabelle," that eerily sounds like a Jim Cuddy-led Blue Rodeo song. By the time you start to listen to "Her Daze" you wonder why these guys aren't on year-end lists. A gorgeous collection of tunes that would make groups like the Connells envious. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
'Body and Soul'
Release Date 12/19/1995
Tracks 8
Label Mobile Fidelity
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What The Critics Say
This session comes from close to the end of the line (1959) in the erstwhile swinging company of Barney Kessel on guitar, Ben Webster on tenor, and naysayers will be quick to point out that Lady Day wasn't in peak form here. But Billie Holiday with some of the platinum chipped off the pipes is still way better than a buncha finger-snappin' wannabes anyday. Her interpretations of the title cut, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "Darn That Dream" hold you in the palm of her hand with their gentle swing and the band support here is never less than stellar. This Mobile Fidelity reissue (also available as an audiophile vinyl pressing) features in-the-control-room sound that makes this session sound even cozier. The Lady sings and swings. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A '91 reissue from late in Billie Holiday's career. She was fading, but hadn't lost the dramatic quality in her delivery, nor her ability to project and tell a shattering story. She's backed by trumpeter Charlie Shavers, pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Ed Shaughnessy. The CD reissue has three bonus cuts. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'A Recital by Billie Holiday'
Release Date 1/1/1956
Tracks 12
Label Clef
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'Billie Holiday, Vol. 2'
Release Date 1/1/1950
Tracks 18
Label Commodore
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