everybodydigs# is a series of posts about Jazz, Funk, Soul & R’n’b albums released from the 20s to the 90s, you can read a brief description/review and listen to a small preview (when it’s possible). everybodydigs# is like when someone tells you “hey you should listen to this album!” and nothing less, enjoy!

Taken from a couple of sessions taped during 1955-1956, Lady Sings the Blues finds Holiday in top form and backed by the sympathetic likes of tenor saxophonists Budd Johnson and Paul Quinichette, trumpeter Charlie Shavers, pianist Wynton Kelly, and guitarist Billy Bauer. And while these autumnal sides bear some of the frayed vocal moments often heard on Holiday’s ’50s Verve sides, the majority here still ranks with her best material. This is especially true of the cuts from a June 1956 date, which produced unparalleled versions of “No Good Man,” “Some Other Spring,” and “Lady Sings the Blues.”

Personnel: Billie Holiday (vocals); Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel (guitar); Anthony Sciacca (clarinet); Willie “The Lion” Smith (alto saxophone); Paul Quinichette (tenor saxophone); Harry “Sweets” Edison , Charlie Shavers (trumpet); Wynton Kelly, Bobby Tucker (piano); Red Callender, Aaron Bell (bass guitar); Chico Hamilton, Leonard Browne (drums).

Rappamelo’s favorite track: