Billie Holiday was probably the most lyrical and expressive female vocalist in jazz history. This set compiles her complete sessions for the legendary Commodore label. Made between Billie’s contracts for Columbia/Okeh and Decca, these recordings present her in top form, backed by excellent small groups featuring such names as Frankie Newton, Freddie Webster, Tab Smith, Vic Dickenson, Eddie Heywood, and Sidney Catlett. Among the highlights of the set are Billie’s first version of the shocking “Strange Fruit”, which she used to conclude her stage performances, as well as readings of famous standards she would never record again, such as “As Time Goes By” and “I’ll Be Seeing You”. Two rare tracks which constitute Billie’s only recordings with the Artie Shaw and with the Paul Whiteman orchestras, have been added here as a bonus.
