Album Info
| Artist: | Billie Holiday |
| Album: | Songs For Distingué Lovers |
| Released: | Worldwide, 23 Jun 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Day In, Day Out | 6:48 |
| Written-By - Johnny Mercer, Rube Bloom | ||
| A2 | A Foggy Day | 4:40 |
| Written-By - George & Ira Gershwin | ||
| A3 | Stars Fell On Alabama | 4:31 |
| Written-By - Frank Perkins, Mitchell Parish | ||
| B1 | One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) | 5:42 |
| Written-By - Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer | ||
| B2 | Just One Of Those Things | 5:32 |
| Written-By - Cole Porter | ||
| B3 | I Didn't Know What Time It Was | 6:02 |
| Written-By - Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers |
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Description
Billie Holiday's 1957 album "Songs for Distingué Lovers" is a timeless gem that showcases the legendary jazz singer at a pivotal moment in her career. Recorded in January 1957 and released later that year on the Verve label, this album captures Holiday's unique vocal style and emotional depth, paired with a stellar lineup of jazz musicians. It stands as one of her most celebrated works from her later years.
The album features six tracks, each a standard from the Great American Songbook, interpreted with Holiday's signature phrasing and emotive delivery. Songs like "Day In, Day Out" and "A Foggy Day" highlight her ability to infuse familiar melodies with a sense of personal storytelling. Her voice, though weathered by years of hardship, carries a raw, poignant beauty that adds layers of meaning to the lyrics. This is not the Billie Holiday of the 1930s, with her youthful, lilting tone; this is a mature artist who has lived through the highs and lows of life, and her voice reflects that journey.
The musicians accompanying Holiday on this album are nothing short of extraordinary. The ensemble includes Ben Webster on tenor saxophone, Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Red Mitchell on bass, and Alvin Stoller on drums. Their performances are understated yet masterful, providing a lush, swinging backdrop for Holiday's vocals. Webster's warm, breathy saxophone lines and Edison's muted trumpet solos complement her voice beautifully, creating a rich, intimate atmosphere.
One of the standout tracks is "Stars Fell on Alabama", where Holiday's phrasing and timing are impeccable. She stretches and bends the melody, making it entirely her own, while the band provides a gentle, swaying accompaniment. Another highlight is "I Didn't Know What Time It Was", a Rodgers and Hart classic that Holiday transforms into a deeply introspective ballad. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle vocal inflections is on full display here.
"Songs for Distingué Lovers" was recorded during a period when Holiday was working with producer Norman Granz, who founded Verve Records. Granz was known for his high production standards and for bringing together top-tier musicians for his projects. The album's production is clean and polished, allowing the interplay between Holiday and the band to shine. The stereo recording, a relatively new technology at the time, adds a sense of space and depth to the sound.
Critics and fans alike have praised "Songs for Distingué Lovers" for its artistry and emotional resonance. While some have noted that Holiday's voice was not as technically strong as in her earlier years, many argue that this only adds to the album's charm and authenticity. Her ability to connect with the listener on a deeply personal level is unparalleled, and this album is a testament to her enduring talent.
In the decades since its release, "Songs for Distingué Lovers" has remained a favourite among jazz enthusiasts and a testament to Billie Holiday's legacy. It captures a moment in time when she was still able to channel her life experiences into her music, creating performances that are both heart-wrenching and uplifting. For anyone looking to explore Holiday's later work, this album is an essential listen, offering a glimpse into the soul of one of jazz's most iconic figures.
