Billie Holiday ‎– Body And Soul (1957)

1957s "Body And Soul" was proof that small jazz groups brought out the best in Billie. Ben Webster, Harry Edison, Barney Kessel and the other members of a stellar ensemble were not just gifted soloists but sensitive accompanists and offered great support on a selection of standards, including three gems by the Gershwin brothers.

This session comes from close to the end of the line (1959) in the erstwhile swinging company of Barney Kessel on guitar, Ben Webster on tenor, and naysayers will be quick to point out that Lady Day wasn't in peak form here. But Billie Holiday with some of the platinum chipped off the pipes is still way better than a buncha finger-snappin' wannabes anyday. Her interpretations of the title cut, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "Darn That Dream" hold you in the palm of her hand with their gentle swing and the band support here is never less than stellar. The Lady sings and swings.                

 Tracklist:

A1		Body And Soul
A2		They Can't Take That Away From Me
A3		Darn That Dream
A4		Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
B1		Comes Love
B2		Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You
B3		Embraceable You
B4		Moonlight In Vermont

Billie Holiday - Body And Soul (1957)
(256 kbps, cover art included)