Lady Day: The Best of Billie Holiday

Just because a recording is remastered, that doesn't mean it's been remastered well. Columbia's remastering of these Billie Holiday recording is a case in point. If you listen to Columbia's Quintessential Billie Holiday series that came out in 1989, you'll notice that those albums (with the same recordings that are on this CD) had infinitely better sound.

Simply put, these remastered versions sound awful. There's a constant, loud hissing in the background of every track that should NOT be there. It's amazing that such bad remastering work could come from Columbia (and on these legendary recordings, no less).

I'm surprised that none of the reviewers on this site seem to have noticed the shoddy sound quality on these remasters, but if you compare these recordings to the originals, the difference is glaringly obvious.

It's a real shame! Because if you want to hear the genius of these Billie Holiday recordings, you'll have to dig up the The Quintessential Billie Holiday series from '89 which is pristine, gorgeous, and mostly out of print now.

This is not a good demonstration of Billie Holliday. First, too many songs squeezed into each side. Sound not good. For me, it was a waste of money. One of her best is the Billie Holiday-Lester Young CD " a musical romance"

Excellent CD. A good purchase if you do not want to buy the box set. Has the essentials.

If you love the blues, and its history, this is a must have. Billie Holiday had a voice, and a tempo, and delivery, followed by back-men who are jazz/blues icons today, that was new, and fresh, and inspiring in their time, and remains so today. I lost all my belongings in a wildfire, including an extensive collection of Billie's recordings. This was my first step back to remembering her, purchasing this wonderfully produced CD. I now consider it a treasured musical archive. If you love Lady Day, relax, and listen to this CD, and you will be entranced again, and again. Her gift to us, forever.

Anybody who likes Billie Holiday even part time needs this CD. Even great for those people who only know a few songs just by chance. Love the CD. Even got another as a gift for a friend.