Broadcast on 07-Apr-2014

The recordings are considered some of the finest of Billie Holiday's long career. They are three recording dates done for a small independent label called Commodore Records run by a musically sensitive producer named Milton Gabler. Gabler loved and respected Miss Holiday and wished to present her with HER choice of material in the best possible setting. These recordings were done firstly in April of 1939 and then a bit later in April of 1944 for two sessions.Many people consider these recordings to be Billie's finest. The 16 tracks made up of mostly standards plus a couple of originals by Miss Holiday make up the bulk of the set and these are the master takes chosen by Mr. Gabler and Miss Holiday. We hope you agree with assessment that these tracks a re perhaps the finest of her long career. Sit back and enjoy a lady who was called without reservation "the voice of Jazz". Happy 99th Birthday to Billie Holiday aka Lady Day.