Billie Holiday – Lady In Satin (2LPs, 45RPM, Analogue Productions)

During the recording of her penultimate album “Lady In Satin”, Billie Holiday could hardly hide her poor physical condition. Alcohol and drugs had given her voice a fragile, harsh quality. But there was still that unmistakable style, the phrasing that had made her one of the most popular jazz singers. And the great emotional depth of her interpretations, which she was able to put into every single song. Recorded in 1958, this is the last Holidays album released during their lifetime. As usual, the material is taken from the Great American Songbook. As in the Decca days, it is accompanied by a lush orchestral arrangement, conducted by bandleader Ray Ellis and fully staffed with brass, strings, reeds and even a three-piece choir. It would turn out to be Holiday’s most expensive music production. The album’s soloists included Mel Davis, Urbie Green and bebop trombone pioneer J.J. Johnson.