----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles Turner" <vze26m98 at optonline.net>
You should try to find her early "swing song" recordings with a subset of the Basie band: Young, Freddie Green on guitar, Walter Page, Jo Jones. The swing song treats the vocal as an equal instrument: after the opening theme, each instrument (including voice) takes their turn with the song and then it's done. Very simple, but it offers wide room for interpretation, individual expression and trading. Holiday said that her vocal inspiration came from Louis Armstrong who also had a very limited range.
---- Yeah, that's what blows my mind: it's like listening to a baroque sinfonia concertante, only it's jazz. The Armstrong/Holiday link is pretty clear.
J