ArkivMusic.com: For her latest Steinway & Sons album, arriving Tuesday, pianist Lara Downes honors Billie Holiday's unique legacy as an American Icon

A Billie Holiday Songbook / Lara Downes

Lara Downes

www.laradownes.com

ArkivMusic Newsletter

Born 100 years ago and gone a mere 44 years later, Billie Holiday remains a powerful and iconic American cultural presence. Influenced by blues singer Bessie Smith as well as Louis Armstrong's trumpet and vocals, "Lady Day" brought the art of jazz phrasing and timing to new levels, with a seemingly casual yet deep-rooted swing, creating a style all her own that in turn greatly influenced Frank Sinatra and countless others, and continues to resonate today. 

For her latest Steinway & Sons album, arriving Tuesday at ArkivMusic, pianist Lara Downes honors Holiday's unique legacy: 

Celebrating the centenary of an American icon
through a pianistic portrait of the singer's life.
Advance Order New Release On Sale Now

  

This program of concert arrangements by pianist-composer Jed Distler features songs associated with Billie Holiday – songs such as "Lover Man," "Body and Soul," "Good Morning Heartache," "Strange Fruit," and of course, "God Bless the Child." These arrangements seek to evoke the singular artistry Holiday brought to standards of the Great American Songbook, rekindling her incomparable spirit for our time. As always, I thank you for your support and love of classical music.

Eric Feidner President, ArkivMusic.com
www.ArkivMusic.com