Reviews (11)

What a voice!
Jeri Southern's era, the 40's and 50's, is not usually to my tase.I have few fond memories of the fifties.But once I discovered this album on Rhapsody, I couldn't get her voice out of my head. She has a sophisticated technique, a wonderful jazz voice and sings with absolute sincerity--the art that conceals art.The prior reviews on Amazon say it all.Get this CD!

Jeri Revisited
When first I was introduced to the voice of Jeri Southern she had long since retired; and that introduction came via an album produced by Rod McKuen in the mid-1970s, a reissue of some Decca recordings called You Better Go Now. That led to seeking her original albums in old Record shops. It was something akin to an archeological excavation, coming upon some of those tattered albums with marvellous period covers. Scratchy, occasionally warped, but it mattered not a bit: Jeri Southern had become something of a cult just then. That smoky voice( reminiscent of Nat Cole, it seemed then) was utterly captivating. I've Got Her Under My Skin
She insinuates. Very vulnerable singer who has keyboard chops. Demands repeat and more repeat. Peggy Lee loved her, and so do I. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Torch Songs    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Frankly, it feels a bit weird to listen to Edith Piaf perform in English. There aren't many singers so associated with a country as Piaf is with France. And yet she did record some of her hits in English in an attempt to facilitate her career in the United States. While newcomers to the singer's oeuvre should start with her French albums, this CD is fascinating for advanced Piaf listeners. Most of the sides were cut 1950 and show Piaf in fine vocal form on tracks such as "La vie en rose" (she switched from English to French for the title) and "Autumn Leaves" ("Les feuilles mortes"), a strangely compelling hybrid that alternates between French and English. Piaf was certainly more at ease singing in French, but her charismatic sense of drama could break through in just about any language. Read more

Reviews (1)

Handy reference for lyric meanings in English
This is a nice enough album.I think she sounds a lot nicer in French, but some of these songs are fun, and if you have enjoyed some of her original music and been curious what they might mean in English, this is one way to get a sense of them.Of course, it would be nicer if all the albums came with liner pages of lyrics but they don't.(Edith Piaf sings clearly enough in French that even an amateur language scholar can try to follow the songs by ear however.)I bought this album when I bought "The Voice of the Sparrow," and while I like that one a lot better, and can listen to it more, this one is handy to have.If you do like lyrics in translation, you might also like to check out the music of Joni James and Nana Mouskoura.Their voices are very different from hers, but the multi-lingual aspect is fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Classical    3. France    4. French    5. French Pop    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Nostalgia    8. Torch Songs    9. Vocal Pop    10. World Music   

Reviews (8)

The Best Side of Jane Olivor
Although the solid fan base of Jane Olivor's voice and music were not as inticed by this release as her earlier gems, those who appreciate a more "mainstream" or "commercial" sound will probably find this album quite to their liking. The album was intentionally produced by various music industry standouts in that vein. Unfortunately, despite it having the highest Billboard chart position of any of her albums (#58), it was not what the bulk of her following expected of her. Randy Edelman's "Don't Let Go Of Me" is a perfect pop arrangement despite it's poor single performance (peaking at #108 on Billboard's "Bubbling Under" chart), and Peter ["Do You Wanna Make Love - or do you just wanna fool around"] McCann's "Love This Time" is an absolute pop standout. Crystal Gayle later made "A Long And Lasting Love" a smash hit, but Jane's relatively unknown version outshines it. "The Greatest Love Of All" (first recorded by George Benson; both versions overshadowed by Whitney Houston's later smash) is a magnificent vehicle for Olivor's vocal interpretation. The title track is also one of Jane's standout cuts. The collection of material is well-rounded to fit it's purpose, and had it received the airplay attention it deserved, could easily have pushed Jane's career into a different direction - not that that would have been so necessarily desirable to her followers, but that it would have given Jane Olivor the platform and recognition she truly deserves. From the same time frame, the superb 1979 duet with Johnny Mathis "The Last Time I Felt Like This" (from the motion picture "Same Time Next Year") is unfortunately not present here - one has to look through the Mathis catalogue to obtain that one. But it is well worth it. Jane wraps around the melody line and lyric - as if her voice were a stringed instrument - like no other before or since.

Not my favorite but her style and voice deserve no less
Jane started to go pop on this LP. Something wasn't the same on this collection as it was on her previous three LP's. With that said there are still some Jane Oliver standouts. "Weeping Willows, Cattails" is really a lovely song. Voice, lyrics and arrangements compliment and enhance one another. "To Love Again" is one of my favorite songs. First heard it by Diana Ross. The French weaves nicely with the English. One of Jane's best songs. Good as anything on her first three LP's. "The Best Side Of Goodbye" stands out but still isn't as strong as her earlier music. "The Greatest Love Of All" is a hard song to do wrong. Jane's version was the first I heard and it was love at first sound. I really would buy this cd just for this song. a singers' singer
This is simply a true artistic gem of a cd. Her voice and interpretations are awesome. Very glad to have found this on cd!! Best are the title cut. "love this time", "greatest love", "long and lasting love" - they all bring you to a better place! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Vocal   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (2)

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!
A wholesale improvement in sound quality when played back in SACD mode over the impulse release. Other than some tape hiss, terrific presence and very much a "you are there" quality to the sound. Hartman was a fabulous singer and Coltrane is at his best doing ballads. If you like romantic jazz with up front vocals and sax, this is a must have disc. I own about 2000 CDs. This is in my top 10 favorites.

An absolute must for Coltrane lovers
As a saxophonist, I have been a Coltrane lover for twenty years, and have avoided any vocal contamination of his and other jazz greats' works. All of that changed when I listened to this album! The polished intensity of Coltrane's tenor sax blended with the baritone crooning of Johnny Hartman make this one of the most romantic albums in jazz (and that is saying something).
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Hard Bop    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Torch Songs    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (3)

Fever Hard to Bear
Life is so peculiar.My interest in Peggy Lee was sparked by Maria Muldaur's tribute CD "A Woman Alone With the Blues (Remembering Peggy Lee)."Then I found an old LP at a garage sale and wanted to hear more.This disc is an excellent snapshot of her work.The remastering makes the tracks clear with the only exception some distortion on her wonderful teaming with Louis Prima on "Yeah Yeah Yeah."That track is a great rocking jazzfest with the horns mostly clear throughout and Peggy's great, "I say drive he says yeah.I say park he says yeah.I say neck he says yeah. He says yeah yeah yeah yeah all the time!"Of course, the most famous of her songs is "Fever" with its throbbing bass and finger snap percussion.The 2003 remix that closes the CD that tries to update her sound wasn't particularly needed from my perspective, but the original burns with that fever that's so hard to bear.Another highlight for me is "Life is So Peculiar."It's got a great swing, "The ocean's only got water, you never know where you stand."The liner notes are very informative, telling us that this was recorded as a duet with Bing Crosby in her first film "Mr. Music" but was recorded by Peggy without Bing since he recorded for Decca and she for Capitol.Peggy penned "I Love Being Here with You" that swings with a vengeance, "I like a dance by Fred Astaire, & Brando's eyes, Yule Brenner's hair, but I think to tell you's only fair that I love being here with you."This is an excellent way to discover or remember Miss Peggy Lee!Enjoy!

Creme de Capitol
Culled from the amazing Singles box-set, this is a good package to pick up if you don't want to shell out for the box, or if you just want a nice selection of rare sides & hits by La Lee. The final cut is a dance remix of "Fever" for the club kids!

Superb Overview
A great selection of Peggy Lee's best. Spans some of her best fron the 40s, 50s, and 60s. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Show Tunes    5. Torch Songs    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (5)

Great voice, good songs, good arrangements
Had I not heard "Talk of the Town", her previous CD, I'd have said that this is one great release.But though her voice is still incomparable, the songs selected are not quite as sparkling as on that earlier CD. Some of the problem may be that this is a tribute to Anita O'Day and the style may not be the best fit for Bentyne. Favorites on this CD are Whisper Not and Waiter, Make Mine Blues.The biggest disappointment though, was to find out that she's married to the hairy brute who produced the CD.Oh well...

great jazz vocals
Some really good stuff here. Skylark and A Man with a Horn two of the best. Back up musicians first rate. Will be looking for more Cheryl Bentyne music with anticipation. She may become my favorite female jazz vocalist.

Feline Comparisons
This latest release by Cheryl is a worthy successor to last year's stellar "Talk of the Town," which was, in my opinion, the best female jazz vocal album of the year."Let Me Off Uptown" might be considered no less indispensable, especially given the importance of the muse who inspired it: Anita O'Day.If a "tribute album" really means what it promises, this one is inarguably successful.It's even led to my holding Anita in higher esteem as a major if not seminal jazz voice in the '40's, '50's, and '60's.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Standards    5. Torch Songs    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (5)

Reminiscence
Even if you weren't raised in the '40's (as I was) this compilation will stir your heart strings.Wonderful lyrics, wonderful tunes, wonderful songsters...just as I remember hearing them played on our old 78's.

The title says it all
Buy this CD and listen to these songs.Perfect for any mellow mood, their melodies hover in the air and create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Magic Moments
I am happy to recommend this lovely compilation of ballads and romanticstandards. The producers have found some truly inspired performances tocollect together on one CD. I've had it since 1995 and I have shared itwith many good friends. Just put it on, pour a favorite drink and turn thelights down low. Enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 40's    2. 50's    3. 60's    4. Ballads    5. Cool    6. Easy Listening    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Show Tunes    10. Standards    11. Swing    12. Torch Songs    13. Traditional Pop    14. V/a Compilations    15. Vocal Collections    16. Vocal Jazz    17. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

New Orleans crooner Aaron Neville is known for many things: he first scored an R&B hit with "Tell it Like it Is" in the '60s; his duets with Linda Ronstadt have exposed him to wider audiences; and he sings with his siblings in the Neville Brothers. Produced and arranged by keyboardist Rob Mounsey, the material is culled from a variety of pop and jazz standards. With a rhythm section consisting of bassist Ron Carter, drummer Grady Tate, and guitarist Anthony Wilson, Neville puts his Crescent City charm on old favorites such as "Danny Boy" with guitarist Ry Cooder; "Since I Fell For You" with his saxophonist brother, Charles Neville; and a silken rendition of "Cry Me a River" with tenor sax titan Michael Brecker. Ms. Ronstadt guest stars on "Blame It on My Youth," with Roy Hargrove providing the creamy Clifford Brown-tones. Even as he sings Gershwin's "Summertime" as a reggae number, Aaron Neville's vivid voice echoes the eternal tones of the late Benny Carter's vibrato-rich alto sax sound. One question: Why wasn't this done before? Read more

Reviews (21)

Get it - trust me!
I don't know who in the world would not give this a 5 star rating! This is a CD that you can play from start to finish without skipping past any track. "The Shadow Of Your Smile" is smooth and superb. Each song a jewel. Sleep enducing? I think not! Dream inspiring perhaps. Worth every red cent I paid for it. As for the reviewer's 10 year old daughter who commented "I love this music": Right on sister!

Good Album
This is a great album! It shows Aaron Neville at his best with his ultra unique sound.He makes the jazz standards that he sings magical.He is a great artist.I highly recommend this album. 4 stars.

I must be the minority...
First off, Aaron Neville has a beautiful voice, so he gets points for having such a unique voice.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz Music    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Soul/R & B    6. Standards    7. Torch Songs    8. Vocal Jazz   

Features

Reviews (2)

Not What I Wanted
The Title of this CD threw me off; the description and the first review didn't help either.The primary reason for buying this CD was the song "You Are My Sister", but this version is a duet with someone that can't sing. I can't tell which CD has a version of the song as seen on Letterman. Disappointing.

Beautifully haunting
I first saw Antony and The Johnsons on David Letterman;I had never heard of them but from the moment he opened his mouth and began to sing "You Are My Sister", I was immediately moved!I've since listened to other music by this beautiful artist and all of his music is haunting, literally, it will linger in your mind and in your heart long after you have listened to it.I ordered "You Are My Sister" for my own sister for Christmas; it explains what I feel for my sister perfectly.This music is very different and more than likely you will either love it or completely hate it, but I think either way, it will stay with you.There is simply nothing else quite like this sound out there anywhere! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Chamber Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Import

Reviews (2)

A "Classic" performance
Aznavour has been referred as the French Frank Sinatra.His voice and hi passion for music are very well presented on this classical CD.Old songs that will never become forgotten.If you are a romantic and love music in Spanish this CD is one to have in your collection.

Lo mejor de Aznavour
Tuve la oportunidad de adquirir esta versi�n de sus �xitos
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Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. France    3. Int'l & World Music    4. Latin    5. Pop    6. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (4)

The Definitive Billie Holiday Collection!!!!
When I saw this while browsing at my local record store, I had to buy it. It had all the classics in 1 small package. It was an excellent value at only $8.99! Wow!
A relaxing Holiday
One of the best. A great collection of her hits. While dining or just chilling, its a must have.

Skimpy, but well produced
Although not generously packed with tons of material, this is a thoughtfully-programmed selection of Holiday's later, non-Columbia material.Ten tracks, drawn from various sessions at Decca, Commodore, Clef and Verve, starting with "Strange Fruit" and ending with a 1956 live version of "God Bless The Child."This set is nice in that it avoids the usual emphasis on her difficult-sounding later performances, avoiding the tragedy-laced version of her career in favor of a more positive, musically triumphant telling of the tale.For a budget-line release, it's pretty darn nice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Swing    7. Torch Songs    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (8)

Support Paula - This disc is great
My wife and I first saw Paula West at the Plush Room in San Francisco on Valentines Day 1998. She played a knockout set, and even though we are serious jazzers - it takes a really good female vocalist to satisfy us these days for some reason. Simply stunning.
I haven't been touched this deeply by an artist in a long, long time. Her version of Waters of March is nothing short of brilliant... as is the rest of the album. She doesn't so much sing, as channel emotion. A true heir to the tradition of the great female Jazz singer
My wife and I saw Paula live at the Firebird Cafe in New York City last spring during one of her rare swings to the East.She got a sensational review in "The New York Times" and merited every word. She openedher set with "Who Will Buy," which opens this CD, and it tookonly seconds for us to realize we were in the presence of a rare talent inmature command of her gifts."Who Will Buy" is one of thosesongs that Streisand "did" years ago and others rarely try--nowPaula has made it jazz and made it her own."Fly Me To the Moon"swings, and "Don't Fence Me In" is a gas.After the show, wewrote in her guest book that we had grown up on Ella, Carmen, Sarah, andthe other greats--and the their tradition was in her good hands (which gotus a teary hug).Try Paula; you'll love her! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

These historic recordings--made mostly in 1939--represent a crucial period for Billie Holiday, who had already achieved some success as a jazz singer recording for Columbia but had yet to really reach her peak as a performer or icon. Read more

Reviews (8)

Valuable record of a great American singer
Billie Holiday's beguiling voice reaches out to us across a span of greater than 60 years and still succeeds at enchanting the discerning listener.This is an excellent collection of blues and jazz standards, interpreted by a master.Of particular note is the startling and graphic "Strange Fruit," a mournful lament about lynching that is one of the most chilling pieces I have ever heard; one listen and you'll understand why it was suppressed in its time and also how courageous Billie must have been to record it in the first place.(The first time I heard it, I had just put out the lights and was lying in bed in the dark; talk about getting the shivers!)Other standout tracks include "I Cover the Waterfront" and "I'll Be Seeing You," but there really isn't any fat on this disk at all.

fine and mellow
The "official" amazon.com review above says that these recordings wrre made "mostly" in 1939, which is misleading; four of the tunes, among them "Strange Fruit," were recorded then, but the other twelve are from 1944. The reviewer also says that the recordings contain no traces of her later "deterioration," but I hear considerably more raggedness here than on the earlier Columbia recordings. This isn't a criticism; these sides, I think, strike just the proper blanace between the chipper just-one-of-the guys vibe of the Columbias and the sometimes oppressively tragic atmosphere of the later Verve albums. Arguably Lady Day's very best....
This CD contains all 16 master takes that Billie recorded on Commodore Records in 1939 and 1944.The standout item here is, of course, the immortal "Strange Fruit."All the other recordings, however, are outstanding as well.On the songs here, she's backed by small jazz combos, which (I agree with the other reviewers) is how she sounded best.I like her version of "Yesterdays" very much.Other gems include "My Old Flame," "I'll Be Seeing You," and "How Am I to Know."This is some of the most emotion-charged music you'll ever hear. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Swing    7. Torch Songs    8. Traditional Pop    9. United States of America    10. Vocal Jazz    11. Vocal/Standards   

Reviews (5)

Seduction by James Last
first of all my cd was deleveredvto my home in 3 days time i"ve been searching for this c.d. for the last 20 yrs I live in a very small town so we have no music stores for 70 miles away in Panama City Fl.a friend suggesed i try Amozon . com & presto it was here & to top it off it was delevered on my 48th bday what a basy present to myself arter searching off & on for the past 20 yrg Amozon.com is the GREATEST. Thank u so very much.Geneisse

seduced all over again
I was in high school when this album came out and i remember it was the most beautiful piece of music i ever heard i use to fall asleep to it every night i have been looking for this to be released on cd for years and now the wait is finally over i played this album so much i wore it out three times thanks to the studio who finally wised up to release this classic i will cherrish this one for ever for fans of this music if you like this check out VINCE MENDOZA work.

Im overwhelmed
Oh my gosh i can't believe this I was just looking to buy a david sanborn cd, and spotted the red jacket I looked again and at first it didnt click then I was so happy.I have and still play the album. Been trying to get the cd since barber school and that was in 1980. so twenty five years and now I ordered this sexy,sultry,smooth jazz cd. my favorite songs are seduction,so excited, and its over. thanks so much I will always cherish this one and make many copies for friends. lois ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Cabaret    3. Easy Listening    4. Easy Pop    5. Germany    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral Pop    8. Pop   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (2)

beautiful darkness dancing inside
Visiting my daughter &her precious friend in ALBQ, they played Antony while cooking dinner. I was beautifully lost until the 3rd song,and finally asked " who is this?". Like many of us that create art about our pain, journey and forgiveness, it was like I was a child hanging on to a window pane, watching my own life dance and for some reason every thing was ok now. There is a time and place for everything, that was my time to discover this fabulous pouring out of warmth. Antony's vibrations and energy open the bottle of mist that breathes deep in the heart, releasing the suffering breath by breath.

Maria Callas on steroids
Antony has what is unquestionably one of the most distinctive vocal styles on the planet today.Initial impressions of Antony can often be violently negative because of this.However, those with the wherewithall to patiently and attentively listen will find themselves just as violently captured by this irresistable music. Ranging between precious and delicate to ferocious, Antony & the Johnsons makes dedicated fans and true believers out of unsuspecting ears.A singular musical experience.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. Cabaret    3. Chamber Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

When compared with the (sometimes unnecessary) liveliness found on most Gershwin interpretations, Michael Feinstein's Algonquin cool on Read more

Reviews (19)

NOT HIS BEST
Feinstein is probably the best contemporary interpreter of the music of the Gershwins, however this partiuclar CD is a bit too somber.Yes, Ira and George could be somber and brooding, but this offering has too much of that for this man's taste.

Delishious!
I've a confession....before actually purchasing this wonderful cd I had been a 'closeted' Michael Feinstein fan for many years. But, at last, it's time to come out and express my deep rooted admiration for this amazing artist! For years I have respected the work of Micheal Feinstein and upon the release of "Michael & George" thought I might enjoy this as well. Much to my surprise my then "current girlfriend" who generally disliked anything to do with Broadway musicals, actually liked it so much she ended up keeping the copy I eventually purchased before we parted ways. Mmmm...typical! So, seeing how I was beginning to miss having this cd around (which,I'll confess, may be more than I actually missed having HER around!) I quickly bought another copy to add to my collection. Award Winning Musicality at its Best!
This award-winning album of Gershwin songs is not your standard Feinstein balladeering. He is a master at interpreting these wonderful, old standards.If only he had included my favorite Gershwin, BUT NOT FOR ME; that would have capped it off and made it the most special. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz Music    2. Nostalgia    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Show Tunes    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal   

Reviews (1)

The best ladies of the 1940's in one package
This double-CD contains 51 songs from the late 1930's to the early 1950's, all beautifully sung by some of the finest ladies of their generation, all mastered to the high quality that is expected of Jasmine. Of course, there are limits to what even Jasmine can do with such old recordings, but anybody who buys such material has to allow for that. As far as I'm concerned, the sound is as good as it could be expected to be.
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Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Nostalgia    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Popular Music    7. Show Tunes    8. Standards    9. Sweet Bands    10. Torch Songs    11. Traditional Pop    12. Vocal Collections    13. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Import

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. France    3. French Pop    4. Nostalgia    5. Torch Songs    6. Vocal Pop    7. World Music   

Editorial Review

With Read more

Reviews (17)

A Great Voice Joined By Others
Perfect Blend of Voice, Song, and Performance!
Lee Lesseck - In Good Company
Up until a few days ago I had never heard of Lee Lesseck. Now that I have I have discovered a great voice and one that I will enjoy listening to for a very long time. This is a smashing CD and one that I highly recommend to lovers of great songs, beautifully sung in a very unique and special way. Lee has linked up with other great singers, like Nita Whitaker, Brian Lane Green, Maureen McGovern and Michael Feinstein to name but a few from a list of 17 performers he sings with on this CD. Each singer not only compliments his voice but bring a dimension of sound and music not found on other CD's of this genre. I could name my favorite tracks but as they change with each hearing, I won't. Just buy it, enjoy it and pass the word. Lee Lesseck and "In Good Company" is a must for any lovers of great songs and great music. 5 Stars all the way.

"Good" is an understatement
On his new CD, Lee Lessack finds himself in phenomenal company. And this, from someone who was a little less than thrilled with the idea of a CD of duets -- I didn't really want Lee to have to share songs with other singers -- I wanted another CD of "pure Lee." I should have known that my reservations were unfounded. I know that when Lee Lessack does anything, it's done flawlessly, and this CD is certainly no exception.
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Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Show Tunes    6. Vocal    7. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

This greatest-hits collection accompanies Ken Burns's 10-part documentary Read more

Reviews (30)

Grrrrrrrrrreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This album is absolutely fantastic, and unlike most users I like the static. I got for Christmas I had never even heard Billie Holiday before, but I saw the movie "Lady Sings The Blues" and I looked her up and I listened to a sample of "Good Morning, Heartache and fell in love with her and other singers from her era.

Excellent song selection, excessive noise on some tracks
In spite of the warnings from the other reviewers, I got this CD as I found no other having all the songs I was looking for. The hissing noise on 3/4 tracks are as irritating as everyone have written about. Verve records(or Ken Burns?) seems to have acted in a quite cavalier fashion in picking these noisy versions of these songs, the listeners deserved better. But I must say that this is the best 1-CD compilation of Lady Day that we have today - don't explain,solitude,strange fruit,autumn in new york,good morning heartache - it has them all. The only song I miss here is 'stars fell on alabama'. And you know what? Those noisy tracks don't sound as distracting to me any more with more and more days!

Awesome
IGNORE all the reviewers who complain about sound quality. None of these songs were copied from "bad masters". These songs (regardless of sound quality) were picked because THEY ARE THE BEST. Gloomy Sunday, Strange Fruit, Autumn in New York(ohhh piano) and Solitude are absolute gems. I couldn't possibly say enough..I love haunting, sad, beautiful music. However, there is a better version of Yesterdays(with a organ accompaniment) on the Billie Holiday Verve Jazz Masters 12 release. But if you like Billie's sad stuff(how could you not?) this is the best collection I have seen. Oh yes and I looovvee the sound of old recordings--the way the lack of any high end makes the piano just melt together and the percusive thump of the bass and piano and guitar just melting...the sound melts...cherish the low-fi...cuz you wont ever hear like that again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Swing    7. Torch Songs    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz