Control Booth Series Vol. 2: 1941-42 Review

07/13/2005 6:03 AM, AMG


This Jazz Unlimited CD (available through Storyville) features multiple takes of Billie Holiday during the last four sessions from her early prime years. Strangely enough, three of the takes, including two masters, are not included on this otherwise complete set. Holiday is heard on such numbers as "All of Me," "God Bless the Child," "Am I Blue," "Gloomy Sunday" and a swinging arrangement of "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie"; other than short spots for trumpeter Emmett Berry and pianist Teddy Wilson (in addition to tenorman Lester Young on "All of Me"), the focus is entirely on Lady Day's voice. The many versions (which include eight that were previously unissued) should greatly interest collectors, but the missing renditions are quite unfortunate. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide