The Players
Archie Shepp (Sax (Soprano)), Archie Shepp (Sax (Tenor)), Archie Shepp (Vocals), Archie Shepp (Liner Notes), Mal Waldron (Piano), Mal Waldron (Liner Notes), Mal Waldron (Spoken Word),
Werner Aldinger (Producer), Mitchell Feldman (Photography), Mitchell Feldman (Project Manager), Michael Fitts (Executive Producer), Philippe Teissier Du Cros (Engineer), Philippe Teissier Du Cros (Mastering)
The Review
Mal Waldron's first tribute to Billie Holiday, titled Left Alone, was recorded in 1959, mere months before the singer's death. He returned to salute the legendary vocalist on several occasions since then, with this CD likely being his final tribute, recorded less than a year before his own death. Waldron, who worked with Holiday during her last years, is intimately familiar with her takes of the six standards heard on this disc, along with her own "Lady Sings the Blues." Archie Shepp's often gritty tenor sax is reminiscent of the texture of Holiday's voice, yet he perfectly complements Waldron's lush piano. They also pack a punch with their stark performance of "Left Alone" (Shepp's occasional reed squeaks seem deliberate, as if to imitate breaks in her voice). Waldron also recites Holiday's lyrics set to his composition at the conclusion of the CD. Shepp switches to soprano sax for an emotional take of "Everything Happens to Me" and "I Only Have Eyes for You," with the latter song sounding as if the unheard singer is being ignored by her love interest. Shepp's "Blues for 52nd Street" is both sassy and swinging. This instrumental salute to Billie Holiday is one of the best albums ever to honor her memory. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
The Songs
01. Easy Living 5:58
02. Nice Work if you can get it 4:28
03. Everything Happens to me 5:49
04. Left Alone 9:09.
05.When your Lover Has Gone 5:36
06. I Only Have Eyes For You 7:05
07. Blues For 52nd Street 5:25
08. Porgy 8:41
09. Lady Sings The Blues 3:39
10. Left Alone (spoken Lyrics) 0:52
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