Billie Holiday is probably the most influential and best-known jazz singer of all time. Yet, it’s often hard to explain what makes her a jazz singer. There seems to be just about unanimous recognition that one of Holiday’s strengths was her improvising. But Billie never performed wordless improvisations, what jazz people call “scat singing,” where the voice improvises like an instrument.
Gotta love Nelson Riddle. One of the great arrangers. Great orchestra too.
With Billie it’s the sound and approach, the rhythmic phrasing. In jazz a personal sound is critical. Safe to say Billie Holiday had one of the most characteristic voices and voicing. Very brave and courageous person too.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Monk because I’m drawn to the way his improvisations retain an elastic fidelity to the tune’s melody, eschewing change running. Time to revisit Billie Holiday too.
Thank you, Leis.
Beautiful!!!!! I love Billie as well as Charlie Parker.
My most favorite disc is "Lady in Satin." Wonderful!!
The way she sings a Foggy Day, after the verse is just amazing. She reinvents the melody, and does so subtly.
Miles loved her
This is excellent, thanks Lew!
Gotta love Nelson Riddle. One of the great arrangers. Great orchestra too.
With Billie it’s the sound and approach, the rhythmic phrasing. In jazz a personal sound is critical. Safe to say Billie Holiday had one of the most characteristic voices and voicing. Very brave and courageous person too.
I also love Sarah Vaughan.
Lewis great work man! Love it
Dave
I’ve been listening to a lot of Monk because I’m drawn to the way his improvisations retain an elastic fidelity to the tune’s melody, eschewing change running. Time to revisit Billie Holiday too.
Excellent Lewis. All the jazz masters I have heard, never play the melodies the same way or as written, and Billie lies in that category.
I am so enjoying your contributions to jazz history
Thank you Lewis