Format Details: Red Vinyl
Release Date: 17 April 2026
Label: 20th Century Masterworks
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 8436563186882
Genres: Jazz Vocal Jazz
Description
16 essential tracks - limited edition pressing on 180g red vinyl, contains new specially prepared liner notes by Penguin Guide to Jazz's writer Brian Morton and by Paris' prestigious Jazz Magazine.
Billie Holiday's legendary Commodore recordings made between 1939 and 1944 gave credence to Holiday being the most lyrical and expressive vocalist in jazz history.
This set compiles the complete master takes she recorded for the legendary Commodore label - sessions that presented her in top form and backed by small groups with star players such as trumpeter players Doc Cheatham and Frankie Newton, saxophonist Tab Smith, pianist Eddie Heywood, bassist John Simmons, trombonist Vic Dickenson, and drummer Sidney Catlett, among others.
Among the highlights are Billie Holiday's first version of "Strange Fruit" (which she used to conclude her stage performances) and readings of famous standards that she would never record again, such as 'As Time Goes By' and I'll Be Seeing You.'
"These are top-notch performances at the very peak of Holiday's power as an artist." - **** Thom Jurek, AllMusic
Tracklisting
Nina Simone
Ella Fitzgerald
Bill Evans Trio
Elvis Presley
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Sonny Rollins
Oscar Peterson
Quincy Jones
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
