Photo from magazine, c. February 1947 Studio albums 12 Live albums 3 Compilation albums 24 Box sets 5 The of consists of twelve, three live albums, twenty-four compilations, and five. Holiday recorded extensively for six labels: (on its subsidiary labels, and ), from 1933 through 1942; in 1939 and 1944; from 1944 through 1950; briefly for in 1951; and its earlier imprint, from 1952 through 1957; again for from 1957 to 1958 and in 1959. Many of Holiday's recordings were released on, before the advent of, and only Clef, Verve, and Columbia issued Holiday albums during her lifetime that were not compilations of previously released material. Many compilations have been issued since her death, including comprehensive and live recordings.
This double-disc issued by Jazz Factory almost completely mirrors the United States issue of the same material entitled, officially issued by Universal in 1997. There are 45 cuts spread across them.
The material was recorded in 1939 and 1944. The original 78 that was 'Strange Fruit' b/w 'Fine and Mellow,' was released by because Columbia's refused to record the song. Was under contract to the label at the time, but loosed the reins a bit and allowed her the leeway to cut it for Commodore.
There are two other sides cut in 1939, and the remainder of these tunes were taped during sessions in 1944 with backed by the. The material is exactly the same on both collections, but the running order is different, and this one is preferable because it breaks up the different takes chronologically rather than putting them in simple historical order.
Either way you go you can't lose, since these are top-notch performances at the very peak of 's power as an artist.
Listen free to Billie Holiday – The Complete Commodore Recordings (Strange Fruit, Strange Fruit (Master Take) and more). 44 tracks (140:11). Discover more music, concerts, videos, and pictures with the largest catalogue online at Last.fm.