7th April 1915 Billie Holiday Centenary

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

Is Billie Holiday's first birthday

http://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/03/31/billie-holiday-100-years-jazz-music

http://www.jazzfm.com/news/music-news/new-billie-holiday-collection-in-time-for-centenary-anniversary/

http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&ALID=2K1HRG5YITO0

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Alto/ALN1952

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/drug-war-the-hunting-of-billie-holiday-114298.html#.VRqvzOHxGTY

[Serial_Apologist]

Radio 2, next Tuesday, 10-11 pm, When Frank Met Billie

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

see also these interviews with Billie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqbOj8eebDo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0eh-seeETg

[Barbirollians]

Don't Explain .

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

There's a lovely sound recording of Billie (somewhat well refreshed) talking and singing together with Helen Merrill (sober) at a party up at Lennie Feather' s place. Len on piano. On Utube.

Once Billie settles in, itza class. As is Helen.

BN.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

say no more squire

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

say no more squire

Many thanks Calum.

Billie...."Hey, I knew life BEFORE I was born!" Prob so very true. Helen Merrill is lovely also on that track.."Yeeew go toooooooo my heeead."

Indeed.


Great.

BN.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2015/04/bottle-blues-and-billie-holiday

[clive heath]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cnn_gosCqg

will take you to a performance by Helen Merrill and a group showing that in regards to "What's New?" she has history. I hope you are as pleasantly surprised by the number as I was ( and the Album). Sorry about the dreadful ad.

As regards Billie, my teenage self was easily drawn in the pains of unrequited love and I bought several LP's such as "The Unforgettable Lady Day" with such great accompanists as Ben Webster, Harry Edison, Jimmy Rowles and Barney Kessel. I think I first heard tracks from "Lady in Satin" on Voice of Americas Jazz quarter-hour. Well, I eventually got the stereo but I had already invested too much in the mono. ( It's the same with "Such Sweet Thunder" and "The Atomic Mr. Basie" but I'm getting there with "Giant Steps")

[Lat-Literal]

A very enjoyable clip.

[Jazzrook]

Billie Holiday loved pianist Herbie Nichols' composition 'The Lady Sings The Blues' aka 'Serenade' and added her own lyrics after hearing it.
Here's Herbie's memorable 1955 trio version with bassist Al McKibbon & drummer Max Roach:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyyGaIf7wPg

[Serial_Apologist]

Billie Holiday loved pianist Herbie Nichols' composition 'The Lady Sings The Blues' aka 'Serenade' and added her own lyrics after hearing it.
Here's Herbie's memorable 1955 trio version with bassist Al McKibbon & drummer Max Roach:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyyGaIf7wPg

Herbie Nichols composed "Lady Sings the Blues"? Well I never...

[Alyn_Shipton]

Tony Scott told me he had written the middle section (the bit that contrasts the opening F minor with an F7)...but didn't ask for any credit so Herbie got the cash.

[Serial_Apologist]

Tony Scott told me he had written the middle section (the bit that contrasts the opening F minor with an F7)...but didn't ask for any credit so Herbie got the cash.

Yes it's interesting in that the middle section sounds as if it is a transition into a conventional blues, and yet it isn't, quite. Another Herbie (Hancock) has composed a few fascinating hybrid tune structures like this.