Search - Billie Holiday :: Solitude: The Billie Holiday Story, Vol. 2

Jazz fans will find solace in "Solitude"

John Jones | Chicago IL | 07/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Upon signing with Norman Granz for Verve Records in the early fifties, Billie Holiday recorded a set of songs with a small combo, reminiscent of the work she did in the thirties. The significant difference, however, is her voice: the early fifties were Holiday's glorious "in between" period; more mature and textured than her early years but not as ravaged and drug-worn as her later recordings. With the quintessential Holiday nuance, a top-notch set of songs and a stellar backing that includes pianist Oscar Peterson, Holiday offers up one of the strongest and most consistent albums of her distinguished career.Both "Blue Moon" and "Moonglow" have the easiest of swings, enhanced by masterful vocals and first-rate horn solos, and "I Only Have Eyes for You" is one of her bounciest and strongest uptempo recordings. But for those of you who cherish her bluesier side, never fear: her gift for melancholy can be cherished on the gorgeous, Duke Ellington-penned title track, as well as the wistful classic "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)."Throw in a gorgeous remastering and near-perfect mix and you have one of the most impressive albums of an incomparable career. Whether you're a longtime fan eager to hear her in her finest element or a jazz novice curious as to why Billie Holiday is still so revered four deacades after her passing, "Solitude" is a treasure to behold."

Smoky and Sensuous

Todd Rising | san francisco | 12/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billie is incomparable... Honey laced voice and a longing, lonely soul make her one of the premiere jazz/blues vocalists of all time. This is a great collection of moody pieces, worthy of listening to in any mood or setting. Though a rainy, winter afternoon would resurrect Billie to give you a warm embrace. A good place to start for any budding enthusiasts of classic jazz vocalists."

Classic American Music

Scott Masters | Allen, TX | 11/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The depth and excellence of American music is unparalled in the world, but sometimes I've wondered about the best definition for it. I think my choice would be Billie Holiday in front of a small jazz combo singing American standards of popular music the way only she could. This was 1952 and Billie was starting to wear down, but her voice was still fine if laced with hard experience. Here she just rolls through a wonderful lineup of songs with a gently swinging combo; never too hard or too soft, the absolutely perfect record for sitting on the couch with a glass of wine and just letting your cares melt away."