Billie Holiday's Prime?

I'm thinking Columbia 1933 -1944...

I'm listening to it and I'm not sure...

The 50's maybe?

With Teddy Wilson or with Lester Young.  Even when her voice declined in the 50s, she was still an excellent singer.  The earlier stuff had the combination of the voice and the singer.

Good stuff onhwy61. 

Any specific albums/recordings that you'd recommend?

TIA

singers like her/her style don't depend so much on age, clarity, whatever you call "vocal cord youth" and strength. It's the soulfulness, maturity, routine, balance, etc.  that that improve the quality and richness of her sound over time. 

Billies alchohol/drug addiction took its toll on her by the early 50's which obviously affected her health and talent.

IMO up to the 1959 "All or Nothing at all" is essential Billie.

Quite an evolution of recording technologies.  Will definitely follow this thread.

Her prime was in the 30's, but she still performed well in the 50's.

The Verve albums are some of my favorite recordings. And, the Phil Schaap compliation is a wonderful set with great sound.

Bob

A link to the Phil Schaap Compilation please.

And thanks guys you've been very helpful.

Great Thread!

Please continue with the recommendations..

I never get tired of Billie H.

TIA

The best $10 spent

Billie Holiday – The Golden Years (1962, Vinyl) - Discogs

1962 issue of Billie at her best 1930-40's. Great box set.

@tablejockey

Thank you..

All or Nothing At All is fantastic

Voice isn’t stellar, but a great balance of voice and recording technology. Also, good instrumental performances.

"All or Nothing At All is fantastic"

vonhelmholtz-

I once took this particular press to an audio show.  Distributor of AudioDesk was therre, so had it US cleaned.

Billie Holiday – All Or Nothing At All (1959, Deep Groove , Vinyl) - Discogs

Played it on an uber setup, where there were some Billie fans among listeners. It was CD quiet and just a pleaure to experience.

I was offered $200 on the spot by a guy with a European accent. I politely declined. I found it years ago at my local shop for maybe $10-15? At the time I probably thought I paid too much!

This is the "Deep Groove" pressing-allegedly "special" I don't know about this, but it sure does sound nice.

This SH thread on "Deep Groove" unfortunately doesn't really say WHY it's "Better"

Can someone explain to new LP collectors what a DEEP GROOVE pressing is? | Page 2 | Steve Hoffman Music Forums

This is likely just as good AND cheap-

Billie Holiday – All Or Nothing At All (1959, Vinyl) - Discogs

" good instrumental performances."

The backing band includes one of my favorite Jazz guitarists-Barney Kessell

The rest of the band aint  chopped liver as well

Personnel[edit]

• Billie Holiday – vocals
• Harry "Sweets" Edison – trumpet
• Ben Webster – tenor saxophone
• Jimmy Rowles – piano
• Red Mitchell – bass
• Joe Mondragon – bass
• Alvin Stoller – drums
• Barney Kessell - guitar

"All or Nothing At All 

Is on my short list.

Thanks TJ!

Listening to it on spotify.

Barney Kessell .....WOW!

Ben Webster as well.

👍

Don't miss the Decca years! 

If you had to choose one vinyl Billie Holiday recording which would you choose?

TIA

Other than 'All or nothing at all"?

I'd like to get some feedback on Billie Holiday's Platinum Collection.

It comes in white vinyl.

Not available on spotify.

:mad:

A Portrait of  BILLIE HOLIDAY 1935-1942

The First Verse Sessions.  1952-1954

Songs For Distingue Lovers

Thanks Robert!

Anyone else?

I"m trying to build a Bille Holiday Collection so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.