Hi all,
First of all thanks to those who replied to my initial email for
information on which Billie Holiday album to get.
Eventually I purchased Lady Sings The Blues and Lady In Satin. I know her
voice from the prewar recordings and to hear Lady Day's voice on these
recordings is a shock at first. But after repeated listening, hearing the
nuances and phrasing, understanding the lyrics and knowing a little
background I can only say that they blew me away. Most of all Lady In Satin
did; it brought tears to my eyes.
Music must be truly universal, because I am neither American nor black (I'm
just a white, Dutch guy), but I did get a lump in my throat when I heard
Strange Fruit. The song has everything: from the "false" start, to poignant
lyrics, to accurate (yet at the same time inprecise) and heartfelt
delivery. A masterpiece in all meanings of the word.
c h e e r s,
. : r e n e w i r t z
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