Billie Holiday

This session comes from close to the end of the line (1959) in the erstwhile swinging company of Barney Kessel on guitar, Ben Webster on tenor, and naysayers will be quick to point out that "Lady Day" wasn't in peak form here. But Billie Holiday with some of the platinum chipped off the pipes is still way better than a bunch of finger-snappin' wannabes any day. Her interpretations of the title cut, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "Darn That Dream" hold you in the palm of her hand with their gentle swing and the band support here is never less than stellar. This Mobile Fidelity reissue (also available as an audiophile vinyl pressing) features in-the-control-room sound that makes this session sound even cozier. The Lady sings and swings. [The 2002 reissue features three different versions of "Comes Love."] ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide