What makes At Jazz at the Philharmonic by Billie Holiday notable?

'At Jazz at the Philharmonic' is significant for its powerful documentation of Holiday's live performance capabilities, capturing raw emotional depth in her delivery. The album features 'Strange Fruit', a haunting protest song that became emblematic of the civil rights movement, earning critical acclaim and solidifying her influence in both music and social justice. By 1954, Billie Holiday was in the twilight years of her career, following a series of challenging personal struggles and health issues. 'At Jazz at the Philharmonic' came after her pivotal album 'Lady Sings the Blues' and marked one of her final live performances, showcasing her enduring artistry despite her declining health.

Who is At Jazz at the Philharmonic for?

At Jazz at the Philharmonic works well if you're into smoky vocals for evening relaxation, dynamic mix for attentive listening and wave-like pacing encourages deep immersion.

How many songs are on At Jazz at the Philharmonic?

At Jazz at the Philharmonic has 30 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

At Jazz at the Philharmonic

Billie Holiday · 1954

69 min · 30 tracks · blues · jazz · swing

A smoky blend of emotive vocals and intricate jazz arrangements that captures the essence of mid-century American music.

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Why this album works

'At Jazz at the Philharmonic' is significant for its powerful documentation of Holiday's live performance capabilities, capturing raw emotional depth in her delivery. The album features 'Strange Fruit', a haunting protest song that became emblematic of the civil rights movement, earning critical acclaim and solidifying her influence in both music and social justice.

Best for: smoky vocals for evening relaxation dynamic mix for attentive listening wave-like pacing encourages deep immersion
Context: By 1954, Billie Holiday was in the twilight years of her career, following a series of challenging personal struggles and health issues. 'At Jazz at the Philharmonic' came after her pivotal album 'Lady Sings the Blues' and marked one of her final live performances, showcasing her enduring artistry despite her declining health.
Stylistic neighbors: Bing Crosby· Dave Brubeck· Dean Martin· Chet Atkins· Herbie Mann· Ray Charles· Nina Simone· Sonny Rollins

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Body and Soul Standout 3:33
2 Strange Fruit Standout 2:52
3 I Cried for You 2:18
4 Fine and Mellow Standout 3:51
5 He’s Funny That Way (27 May 1946) 3:22
6 The Man I Love 3:04
7 Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You 2:20
8 All of Me 1:56
9 Billie’s Blues (aka “I Love My Man”) 3:39
10 Trav’lin’ Light 3:28
11 He’s Funny That Way (7 Oct. 1946) 2:56
12 Norman Granz Announcement 1 0:09
13 You Better Go Now 2:56
14 You’re Driving Me Crazy 1:30
15 There Is No Greater Love 2:34
16 I Cover the Waterfront 2:58
17 Norman Granz Announcement 2 0:29
18 Willis Conover Announcement 0:54
19 Johnny Mercer Announcement 0:42
20 Fanfare From “Oh, Lady Be Good” 0:11
21 Nice Work If You Can Get It 2:39
22 Willow Weep for Me 3:08
23 My Man 3:30
24 Lover Come Back to Me 2:06
25 Lady Sings the Blues 3:00
26 What a Little Moonlight Can Do 2:54
27 Fanfare From “Oh Lady Be Good” (with announcement) 0:23
28 Leonard Feather Announcement 0:47
29 I Wished on the Moon 2:44
30 Lover Man 3:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

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blues jazz swing