1 4

Burmester Master Recordings EDITION 2

Billie Holiday

Songs for Distingué Lovers

Billie Holiday

€777,00 EUR
€777,00 EUR
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

The journey of PURE SOUND – Master Recordings continues with one of the most celebrated vocal jazz albums of all time: Songs for Distingué Lovers by Billie Holiday. Recorded in January 1957 in Los Angeles, this session marks a late-career highlight for Holiday — a moment where her unmistakable voice, rich with experience and emotion, meets an all-star ensemble of West Coast jazz greats. Surrounded by the lyrical trumpet of Harry “Sweets” Edison, the soulful tenor of Ben Webster, and a superb rhythm section, Holiday delivers performances that are as intimate as they are powerful.

Across the album, Holiday’s phrasing stands at the center: elastic, conversational, and deeply expressive. Her ability to stretch a lyric, delay a note, or subtly alter a melody transforms each song into a personal statement. Edison’s warm, muted trumpet lines weave in and out of her vocals with remarkable sensitivity, while Webster’s velvety tenor adds depth and gravitas. Supporting them, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, and the rhythm team of Red Mitchell and Alvin Stoller create an elegant, understated foundation that allows Holiday’s storytelling to shine.

Each track presents a different facet of her artistry. “Day In, Day Out” opens the album with a stride full of swing and vitality, showcasing the band’s effortless interplay. On “A Foggy Day,” Holiday transforms a familiar standard into an introspective, late-night meditation, carried by her subtle timing and textured tone. “I Get a Kick Out of You” balances playfulness with emotional weight, while “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” radiates warmth and charm. Her interpretation of “Moonlight in Vermont” is particularly striking — a slow, spacious reading that highlights her unparalleled ability to convey emotion through restraint and nuance.

The emotional range of the album peaks in its ballads. “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” and “I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You” reveal Holiday’s profound connection to the material, each phrase shaped with vulnerability, strength, and honesty. The ensemble responds with remarkable sensitivity, giving her space while adding subtle commentary that enriches every moment.

With PURE SOUND – Master Recordings, this masterpiece is brought back to life with extraordinary clarity on lacquer. Every breath, every inflection, every interplay between voice and instrument is revealed with stunning presence. The reissue captures the immediacy and emotional depth of the original session, placing the listener directly in the room with Billie Holiday and her remarkable band — a timeless and deeply moving experience.
Find your local dealer FAQ View full details