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 recording 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 LP. 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 honour her memory.
Release date:
February 24, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Anna Tivel Animal Poem
Fluff And Gravy Records
August 29, 2025 -
Citizen Everybody Is Going to Heaven (10 Year Anniversary Edition) [2xLP]
Run For Cover
October 10, 2025 -
The Beaches No Hard Feelings
Beaches Touring Inc.
August 29, 2025 -
Maruja Pain To Power
Sony International Network
September 12, 2025 -
Lorna Shore I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me (Deluxe Gold) [2xLP]
Century Media Int'l
September 19, 2025 -
The Cords The Cords (Baby Blue)
Slumberland Records
September 26, 2025 -
Sundays Blind [2xLP]
Geffen
September 26, 2025 -
Carson McHone Pentimento
Merge Records
September 12, 2025 -
Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares Soundtrack (White) [2xLP]
The Null Corporation/Interscope
September 19, 2025 -
Oh He Dead Ugly
Inkind Music
September 5, 2025 -
Arrows in Action I Think I'Ve Been Here Before
Nettwerk Records
September 19, 2025 -
Wavves Spun
Many Hats Dist
October 3, 2025 -
Shapednoise Absurd Matter 2
Weight Looming
September 19, 2025 -
Primal Fear Domination [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
September 5, 2025