Late 1950s album from legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday. Songs For Distingue Lovers was originally recorded in 1957 and was the last part of an extensive series of small group recordings that Lady Day made later in her career. Working with producer Norman Granz she chose songs from the Great American Songbook of classic pop to put together a set list of six standards. The sessions included trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, pianist Jimmie Rowles, guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Red Mitchell, and Alvin Stoller or Larry Bunker on drums. Although Holiday's voice was mostly shot by this time, the amount of emotion she puts into the recordings overshadows any shortcomings. Haunting moments abound, along with great solos from the band. Six tracks in all. High-quality Acoustic Sounds edition cut from the original analog tapes, recommended.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• Acoustic Sounds edition remastered from original analog tapes
• housed in tip-on gatefold sleeve w/ liner notes
• limited edition
• original release year: 1958
• music label: Verve 2023

reviewed by Cool Hand 06/2017