Coming Forth By Day

JAZZ VOCALS

For Billie’s 100th, here’s a set of songs associated with the great Lady. No mere covers; these are radical reinterpretations with completely different singing styles and surprising orchestrations. Wilson’s voice is deep and rich. Bass & drums are prominent; strings and winds (such as a frequent bass clarinet) add rich and varied colors.

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1 ** Slow, bluesy crawl. She’s accepting that her man has cheated. Stark & spare to start, the music builds up. A beautiful tenor sax is soothing & loving. (4:35)
2 *** Mid-slow. She’s talking up her self-esteem despite a dependent relationship. Clarinet, bass clarinet, elec piano, tom-toms & effects combine to create a dark, spooky tone. (5:08)
3 Slow. Mellow love song with a pretty melody. Impish bass clarinet & strings. (6:19)
4 Mid-tempo. Lush, Philly-R&B style orchestration. Smoky, deep voice. (4:10)
5 * Slower, sadder version of a big hit for Dianna Ross. Interesting accompaniment includes sci-fi effects & loops, along with gentle waterfall piano & strings. (4:07)
6 * Slow. A most beautiful pop love song done extraordinarily well. Slower than famous versions you’ve heard (e.g., Tony Bennett). Bass clarinet & string orchestra. (3:51)
7 * Slow. Singing is interrupted by striking, dramatic instrumentation incl elec guitar. (4:57)
8 * Slow. Pretty rendition of another pop love song. Wilson sings wonderfully across several octaves. Electric guitar, effects, loops, bass clarinet, strings. (4:10)
9 Slow. Another love song, sung very well. Guitar, winds, effects. Elegant. (4:14)
10 ** Slow. Dark & ominous. About lynching in the South. Singing is deep & emotional. Loud, hugely orchestrated outro includes everybody plus Wilson on elec guitar. (4:55)
11 Very slow. Breathy, whispered vocal. Drums, piano, violin all with max echo. (6:10)
12 Slow. The only original: elegy for sometimes lover & accompanist Lester Young, from Billie’s point of view. Nice tenor sax solo. (5:51)