VA - Body And Soul - Those Fabulous Ladies Of Jazz (1987)

When it comes to vocal jazz, the ladies win. 'Body and Soul' features great jazz standards sung by some of the best-known and most influential female jazz vocalists in history. Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan.

Most of the tracks on this disc are taken from legendary concerts of the late 1950s. Here are details on the highlights
1. Ella Fitzgerald – "Mack The Knife" and "Bewitched"
These recordings are the gems of the collection. They were made at the famous concert on February 13, 1960, in Berlin (at the Deutschlandhalle).
• Fun fact: During her performance of "Mack The Knife," Ella forgot the lyrics, but she kept her cool and began improvising an incredible scat, mimicking Louis Armstrong's voice. This recording earned her a Grammy Award.

2. Billie Holiday – "Body and Soul" and "Lover Man"
Billie Holiday's recordings for this collection were often taken from her later performances, such as her February 1958 performance at the Mars Club in Paris, or from jazz festivals of the time. These versions showcase Billie's "later" sound—a cracked, yet incredibly emotional voice, considered the epitome of dramatic jazz.

3. Sarah Vaughan - "Misty" and "Lullaby of Birdland"
These tracks typically represent Sarah's recordings from 1956–1958. Most often, these compilations featured recordings from New York jazz clubs, where she performed with a trio. In these songs, she showcases her phenomenal three-octave range, which earned her the nickname "Sassy."

4. Dinah Washington - "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes"
This version was recorded in 1959. It was her greatest commercial success, transforming her from a blues singer into a pop-jazz star. The recording is influenced by orchestral arrangements, which were very fashionable at the time.

Tracklist
1. Ella Fitzgerald – Just One Of Those Things (03:30)
2. Billie Holiday – Body And Soul (06:18)
3. Dinah Washington – What A Diff'rence A Day Makes (02:29)
4. Sarah Vaughan – My Funny Valentine (02:58)
5. Ella Fitzgerald – Lover (03:16)
6. Dinah Washington – Cry Me A River (02:27)
7. Billie Holiday – Solitude (03:09)
8. Sarah Vaughan – Polka Dots And Moonbeams (02:34)
9. Ella Fitzgerald – From This Moment On (03:17)
10. Billie Holiday – Am I Blue (02:51)
11. Dinah Washington – T'ain't Nobody's Bizz-ness If I Do (03:26)
12. Sarah Vaughan – Embraceable You (04:50)
13. Ella Fitzgerald – Cheek To Cheek (03:45)
14. Billie Holiday – Love Me Or Leave Me (03:18)
15. Sarah Vaughan – Prelude To A Kiss (02:46)
16. Dinah Washington – Ain't Misbehavin' (02:35)
17. Ella Fitzgerald – Bewitched (07:01)
18. Billie Holiday – Lover Man