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When most singers decide to perform some Billie Holiday songs, they tend to start with her late 1930s material and continue into the 1950s, singing the Lady Day hits such as “God Bless The Child,” “Good Morning Heartache” and “You've Changed.” But Stephanie Nakasian on Billie Remembered brings back to life Billie Holiday's earliest period, not just singing her songs but purposely often sounding very close to her.
A masterful bop-oriented jazz singer who cut her teeth singing vocalese with Jon Hendricks, Ms. Nakasian developed “The Great Ladies Of Ameican Song” show that features her paying tribute to many of her predecessors. With a great deal of study and practice, she has gotten to the point where she can closely emulate a couple dozen of the vocal greats, from Bessie Smith to June Christy.
Irv Kratka, the founder of Inner City and Music Minus One, suggested that Stephanie Nakasian record an album in Billie Holiday's style. It was potentially difficult due to Lady Day's rhythm which was both behind-the-beat and driving. Deciding to focus on Holiday's happiest period, Stephanie had her husband, the great bop pianist Hod O'Brien, write arrangements that were similar to those on the Billie Holiday/Teddy Wilson records while working on making his own playing closer to that of Wilson. Such compatible musicians as trumpeter Randy Sandke, tenor-saxophonist Harry Allen, Dan Block on alto and clarinet, guitarist Marty Grosz, bassist Neil Miner and drummer Chuck Riggs were hired for the unusual project.
There are moments during these 11 performances when it does sound very much like a Billie Holiday record, despite the improved recording quality. Sandke's playing is influenced by Bunny Berigan and Roy Eldridge, Allen hints at early Ben Webster, and Block sounds like the clarinetists and altoists of the time. The frameworks and arrangements are similar to the original records except that the singer gets a little more space, returning after her chorus to finish the tune. Among the songs from the 1935-36 period that are revived are “No Regrets,” “I Cried For You,” “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Too Hot For Words” and “If You Were Mine.”
Throughout the memorable project, Stephanie Nakasian sings in Billie Holiday's style and close to her voice, not as a mere copy but with deep affection and understanding. (Scott Yanow)
** Nakasian was recently interviewed about this album on National Public Radio by Terri Gross. To read about this interview and listen to the segment, visit: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126054043. **
** Read an excellent write-up of this release in The Village Voice! http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-03-02/music/ghost-brand-dee-dee-bridgewater-and-stephanie-nakasian-tackle-billie-holiday/ **
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