Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The Commodore Master Takes provides an essential snapshot of Billie Holiday's artistry during a pivotal moment in her career. Spanning recordings from 1939 to 1944, these sessions are often regarded as some of Holiday's most powerful and evocative work. The album opens with the haunting 'Strange Fruit,' a stark and fearless protest against racial violence, which was too controversial for other labels but found its rightful place here. Holiday's delivery is chilling, a perfect match for the song's bleak subject matter. Other standouts include 'I'll Be Seeing You,' where her emotive phrasing turns the track into a melancholic ode, and 'As Time Goes By,' a classic tune that, in her hands, takes on an almost timeless quality. These recordings highlight not just Holiday's unique voice but her ability to convey deep emotion and narrative, cementing her legacy as one of jazz's most influential figures. The Commodore Master Takes is a treasure trove for any fan of classic jazz, offering an intimate look at Holiday at her peak.