Album Info
| Artist: | Billie Holiday |
| Album: | Lady Sings The Blues |
| Released: | Europe, 2 Dec 2013 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Lady Sings The Blues | |
| Written-By - Holiday, Nichols | ||
| A2 | trav'lin' Light | |
| Written-By - Mundy, Mercer | ||
| A3 | I Must Have That Man | |
| Written-By - McHugh - Fields | ||
| A4 | Some Other Spring | |
| Written-By - Herzog, Kitchings | ||
| A5 | Strange Fruit | |
| Written-By - Allan | ||
| A6 | No Good Man | |
| Written-By - Fisher, Higginbotham, Gallop | ||
| B1 | God Bless The Child | |
| Written-By - Herzog, Holiday | ||
| B2 | Good Morning Heartache | |
| Written-By - Fisher, Drake, Higginbotham | ||
| B3 | Love Me Or Leave Me | |
| Written-By - Kahn, Donaldson | ||
| B4 | Too Marvelous For Words | |
| Written-By - Mercer, Whiting | ||
| B5 | Willow Weep For Me | |
| Written-By - Ronell | ||
| B6 | I Thought About You | |
| Written-By - Van Heusen, Mercer |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
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Description
Billie Holiday's "Lady Sings the Blues" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of her artistry and the depth of her emotional expression. Released in 1956, the album coincided with the publication of her autobiography of the same name, and it serves as both a musical and personal statement from one of jazz's most iconic voices.
The album features a mix of new recordings and earlier tracks, showcasing Holiday's ability to convey profound emotion through her unique vocal style. Her voice, though weathered by years of hardship, carries an authenticity and vulnerability that few artists can match. The title track, "Lady Sings the Blues", is a standout, with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of her life. Holiday's delivery is raw and heartfelt, drawing the listener into her world.
Another highlight is "Strange Fruit", a chilling protest song about racial violence that remains as powerful today as it was when she first recorded it in 1939. Although not originally part of the album's 1956 release, it has since been associated with "Lady Sings the Blues" in various reissues, further cementing its place in her legacy. The song's stark imagery and Holiday's haunting performance make it an unforgettable listening experience.
The production on "Lady Sings the Blues" is intimate and understated, allowing Holiday's voice to take centre stage. The arrangements, featuring a small jazz ensemble, provide a perfect backdrop for her vocals, with subtle instrumentation that enhances the emotional impact of each song. The musicians, including jazz greats like Tony Scott on clarinet and Paul Quinichette on tenor saxophone, deliver performances that complement Holiday's style beautifully.
What makes "Lady Sings the Blues" so compelling is its honesty. Holiday doesn't shy away from the pain and hardship she endured, but she also celebrates the joy and resilience that defined her life. Songs like "Good Morning Heartache" and "God Bless the Child" showcase her ability to turn personal experiences into universal expressions of the human condition. Her phrasing and timing are impeccable, and she has an uncanny ability to make every lyric feel deeply personal.
The album has been widely praised for its emotional depth and artistic integrity. It stands as a testament to Holiday's enduring influence on jazz and popular music. Her ability to convey complex emotions with such simplicity and grace is a rare gift, and "Lady Sings the Blues" is a shining example of her talent.
Listening to this album is a deeply moving experience. It's not just a collection of songs; it's a window into the soul of an artist who lived and breathed her music. Billie Holiday's "Lady Sings the Blues" is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences more than six decades after its release. It's a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the power of music to tell a story and touch the heart.
