Billie Holiday – Body and Soul [Mono] (Analogue Productions Verve Series 45 RPM Edition)

(AAA) — Lacquers cut from the original analog master tapes by George Marino at Sterling Sound.

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

Small jazz groups brought out the best in Billie Holiday - especially groups as good as the one heard on this classic 1957 recording. Ben Webster, Harry "Sweets" Edison and the other members of this stellar ensemble were not just gifted soloists but sensitive accompanists as well. Lady Day was rarely more ably supported than she was on this program of sturdy standards, including three gems by the Gershwin brothers -and she rarely sounded more luminous.

Musicians:
Billie Holiday, vocals
Barney Kessel, guitar
Jimmy Rowles, piano
Ben Webster, tenor saxophone
Red Mitchell, bass
Harry "Sweets" Edison, trumpet
Alvin Stoller, Larry Bunker, drums

(Above description from AcousticSounds.com)