AMERICAN JAZZ CLASSICS BILLIE HOLIDAY: THE COMPLETE COMMODORE RECORDINGS Billie Holiday was probably the most lyrical and expressive female vocalist in jazz history. This set compiles her complete sessions for the legendary Commodore label. Made between Billies contracts for Columbia/Okeh and Decca, these recordings present her in top form, backed by excellent small groups featuring such names as Frankie Newton, Freddie Webster, Tab Smith, Vic Dickenson, Eddie Heywood, and Sidney Catlett. Among the highlights of the set are Billies first version of the shocking Strange Fruit, which she used to conclude her stage performances, as well as readings of famous standards she would never record again, such as As Time Goes By and Ill Be Seeing You. Two rare tracks, which constitute Billies only recordings with the Artie Shaw and with the Paul Whiteman orchestras, have been added here as a bonus. Includes 20-page booklet. These are top-notch performances at the very peak of Holidays power as an artist. (Thom Jurek All Music)