Billie Holiday - the listening session

From: Rene Wirtz (rwirtz@xs4all.nl)
Date: Mon Jan 22 2001 - 14:34:20 CET

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    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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