Ultimate Billie Holiday Review

07/13/2005 6:05 AM, AMG


Shirley Horn compiled The Ultimate Billie Holiday, a 16-track selection of her best-known songs that offers an excellent introduction to her Verve recordings. Although purists and collectors will have little use for this set, it suits the purposes of neophytes and curious listeners quite well. Among the highlights are "Lover, Come Back to Me," "Body and Soul," "Solitude," "He's Funny That Way," "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child" and "Lady Sings the Blues." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide