Customer Reviews

Mystery Lady

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Being a big Billie Holiday fan, I admit to listening to this CD with some skepticism. There have been many Billie tribute CD's over the years, few ever equalling her soulfulness and artistry, but after listening to this CD, Etta really opens my eyes and ears. I wouldn't expect someone primarily known as a soul-R&B singer to nail down these songs in an entirely new blues-soul context yet retaining its jazz structure. She doesn't really have Billie's fragility of phrasing, but shows the same X factor of emotional and gut-wrenching elements in her interpretations, though on a grander scale. She adds some of her ever-present feistiness as well, which of course Billie never had, but it never detracts from the jazz feel of this CD. Feistiness is, after all, what makes her Etta James. She shows remarkable restraint when she needs to be in this jazz context. Congrats to a brave Etta in tackling these songs so identified with Billie. You pulled it off, girl!

That question about being trapped on an island and only having one CD: This is it. I've all but worshiped Billie Holiday for a long time, but as hard as it is to admit, Etta may well have bested Lady Day here. In her voice, strength, courage, fragility, and tenderness all come through at the same time. Not muddling, but feeding off one another. She brings depth to these timeless songs that even the great Holiday seldom delivered.

"Ghost of a Chance" left me trembling. "How Deep is the Ocean" has never been deeper. And this is by far the best interpretation of "I'll Be Seeing You" ever recorded...in my less than humble opinion. Do yourself a favor and buy it today.

The blend between Etta James and Billie Holiday makes this album sensuous and hot. Etta James' voice is sultry and expresses the exhilaration, passion and pain of being in love. Like life, love is complex and full of surprises. I kept trying to identify which song I liked the best. They are all great. It felt like a massage for my soul and made my heart smile.

If you adore Billie and love Etta then you should be in heaven! I bought this on impulse and consider this one of my most treasured CDs. All the wonderful "old school" lyrics - the way they don't write them anymore - but with the full, rich sound of modern technology. Great tribute to Lady Day by a legend who can blow away a room full of Britneys!

Being a big Billie Holiday fan, I admit to listening to this CD with some skepticism. There have been many Billie tribute CD's over the years, few ever equalling her soulfulness and artistry, but after listening to this CD, Etta really opens my eyes and ears. I wouldn't expect someone primarily known as a soul-R&B singer to nail down these songs in an entirely new blues-soul context yet retaining its jazz structure. She doesn't really have Billie's fragility of phrasing, but shows the same X factor of emotional and gut-wrenching elements in her interpretations, though on a grander scale. She adds some of her ever-present feistiness as well, which of course Billie never had, but it never detracts from the jazz feel of this CD. Feistiness is, after all, what makes her Etta James. She shows remarkable restraint when she needs to be in this jazz context. Congrats to a brave Etta in tackling these songs so identified with Billie. You pulled it off, girl!

In 1995 I jumped into the backseat of a car. This CD was playing. Lady in the front seat asks the driver who was singing. He replies "that's Etta James." She says "Damn, that's Etta? Yeah, that's back when you heard a woman singing and you knew who was doing the singing."

I bought the CD that very night and have been listening to it constantly from that point on. Even if you're not a Billie Holiday fan or for that matter, an Etta James fan, this one is just a must-have. You won't stop listening.

ETTA James Sounds Fantastic on Her Remakes of Billie Holiday's SOngs.The Arrangements,Production&most Importantly the Voice all work Reallt Strongly here.Very Essential.

This cd is among my all-time favorites. It is a must-have on long drives when the road is entirely too boring.
Not since Big Maybelle has their been a voice that could so rend the heart and excite the juices! Two thumbs way sky-high up for this gem!

Etta james finally wona Grammy for this album which is shocking cause hello she's etta james what in the world took the grammy's so long...
this is a great cd ..that has a living legend pay tribute to another departed legend of jazz Billy holiday..
her range is incredible...considering she is a true barritone...amazing...one of her best albums..

Alone or with that special someone, this album should be listened to with candle light.