But Beautiful...
4
By schlap
Generally considered a classic album today, Lady in Satin is pretty much the end-note of Billie Holiday's career. Unfortunately, there are signs of the demise of her power. While still entrancing, the vocal range shown previously is just not there, perhaps due to years of alcohol and drug abuse. That being said, the performance here is still quite good. Hey, it's Billie Holiday, and if you need an introduction to "smoky" female vocals, well here it is.
The more bothersome "problem" with this album is that Ray Ellis and his orchestra (and particularly some of the background chorus) can be a bit overwhelming at times. If they had chosen a more understated path, more fitting with the vocal performance given by Billie, this would have been an even better album.
