Lady in Satin by Billy Holiday

Of all the women in jazz, Billy Holiday is no doubt the most famous, infamous, and the most mythic. Her voice and talent were unique and inimitable. In any case, I would never presume to review Billy Holiday, but I would like to recommend this particular album of hers, for anyone who might be wondering which of her records to buy. Lady in Satin is one of my personal favourites.

She made this recording at a peak in her career, after having written her biography "Lady Sings the Blues". She performs here Ray Ellis and his orchestra, and the arrangements are fittingly dramatic, complementing the repertoire of classic jazz standards. I'm A Fool to Want You, You've Changed and I'll be Around are some of the songs included here, highlighting Lady Day's emotional delivery and elegant phrasing. Oh hey, the liner notes say Billy Holiday thought this was the best album she'd ever made, so there you go, from the Lady herself.

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