Search - Billie Holiday :: At Carnegie Hall: The Billie Holiday Story, Vol.6

A true masterpiece

Eric D. Harris | Chicago, IL United States | 06/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are times that I thank God, the Fates, or whomever for truly great moments in musical history, and "The Essential Billie Holiday" is definitely one of them. I first heard this album when I 17 years old and from the opening strains of "Lady Sings The Blues" to the final bars of "What A Little Moonlight Can Do", I was hooked. I committed that entire album to memory in less than two weeks, every note, nuance and shade. Lady could convey more about love, life and hunger in one song than most of us could over the course of an entire lifetime. Her voice had gotten rougher in her later years but to me that just made it all the more expressive.I won't get into the darker aspects of Lady's life; those who are into Billie Holiday are all too familiar with that, and for those who aren't, I strongly suggest you read her autobiography, "Lady Sings The Blues". This concert, taped in November of 1956, just three years before her death in July of 1959, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Lady was indeed on top that night, the most honest JAZZ singer this backwards country ever produced. I stress the word jazz because so many people tend to categorize Lady as a blues singer, something that she herself to a degree took humbrage to. Out of the hundreds of songs she recorded, less than a handful were stamped with letter, if not spirit of the blues. Don't believe me, listen with your own ears and judge for yourself, then you'll know what I'm talking about."

Lady Day Rises to the Occasion

Peter | East of Los Angeles | 02/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those who think Billie lost her capacity to perform should check this CD. She amazes with her way of reaching an audience with her stunning phrasing and ability to peel away the surface of a song. Being this is a live concert CD, I feel as though I'm sitting in the audience that particular night watching and listening to Lady Day onstage at Carnegie Hall, it's a very intimate and revealing performance. Even though the concert hall seats several thousand, the way Billie sings these songs identified with her really touches each and every listener present that day. You really get a sense she was reaching out for the audience and from their response, they sure let her know how they love her. My only gripe is including the readings from her autobiography by the announcer on stage that night, it's all included on this CD. Maybe the producers wanted the fans to listen excerpts from her book, but I could do without it. It really inteferes with the enjoyment of the concert unless you can program out those tracks containing the readings. Otherwise this is a great CD for listening to Billie LIVE and during her last years in front of an audience. She really was a great live performer."

Lady Sings the Blues

G. McDermott | 04/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed Billie's music for many years and listened to the old LPs. Her voice makes me want to sit back and relax. This album is a great selection of her songs. If you are a big fan or just slightly interested, this album is for you. The best of Billie Holiday!"