Molly Johnson - Because Of Billie (2014/2015) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/96kHz]

Posted By: HDV

Molly Johnson - Because Of Billie (2014/2015)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/96 kHz | Time - 59:54 minutes | 1,36 GB
Studio Master, Official Digital Download | Artwork: Front cover

Renowned Canadian multi-genre chanteuse Molly Johnson sixth studio album, "Because Of Billie", is a tribute to Billie Holiday. Recorded in Toronto with producers John Bailey and Mike Downes, Johnson wanted to infuse Because Of Billie with her idol’s spirit, preparing the songs emotionally and technically so many could be recorded in one take. Billie Holiday’s journey inspires Johnson not only as an artist, but as a model citizen. “Billie and her generation were the civil rights movement,” Johnson notes. “Her generation sacrificed for my privilege and I am honour-bound to them. I love history. I love to look back while pushing forward”.


Back in the ’80s when Order of Canada recipient/Juno-winner Molly Johnson was singing for her supper (and rent) at Toronto’s hub of bohemia, The Cameron House, a key inspiration was blues/jazz legend Billie Holiday. The only surprising thing about her coming out with an homage to Holiday album is that it has taken so long. As a fan since those early days, this scribe certainly welcomes its appearance and we know others will.

As Molly Johnson explains in the liner notes, when people note her similarity to Billie Holiday, she responds that, no, she’s not “like” Holiday but is “because of” her. Which is a stretch, considering that Johnson’s career began with a brief flirtation with disco and a longer affair with rock. It wasn’t until 2000 that the Canadian vocalist, then 41, shifted primarily to jazz. Tonal and stylistic echoes of Holiday have since become increasingly evident, culminating with this album-length salute. Whether of natural evolution or practiced design, Johnson does Holiday proud. Her stated goal, elegantly achieved, was to evoke not just her heroine’s sound but also her spirit. Featuring an ace rhythm section comprising pianist Robi Botos, drummer Terry Clarke and bassist/trombonist Mike Downes, the set features 14 Holiday-related tunes, running the gamut from a vivacious “Them There Eyes” and sparkling “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” to a ravaged “Strange Fruit” and the crushed-velvet resignation of “Don’t Explain.” Delivering one of the first tributes in advance of the centenary of Lady Day’s birth this coming April, Johnson sets the bar mighty high. And she goes a noble step further: In recognition of Holiday’s hardscrabble childhood, all of the album’s proceeds will be donated to children’s charities.

Tracklist:

01. Body And Soul
02. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
03. Fine And Mellow
04. Them There Eyes
05. You've Changed
06. God Bless The Child
07. How Deep Is The Ocean?
08. Strange Fruit
09. Lady Sings The Blues
10. Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me
11. You Go To My Head
12. They Can't Take That Away From Me
13. Now Or Never
14. Don't Explain

Analyzed: Molly Johnson / Because Of Billie
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR9 -0.09 dB -11.05 dB 4:42 01-Body And Soul
DR8 0.00 dB -9.75 dB 3:26 02-What A Little Moonlight Can Do
DR10 -0.01 dB -11.22 dB 5:08 03-Fine And Mellow
DR8 0.00 dB -9.96 dB 3:47 04-Them There Eyes
DR10 -0.16 dB -12.15 dB 4:31 05-You've Changed
DR7 -0.07 dB -9.44 dB 5:34 06-God Bless The Child
DR9 -0.14 dB -10.75 dB 4:28 07-How Deep Is The Ocean?
DR10 -0.25 dB -13.03 dB 3:18 08-Strange Fruit
DR9 0.00 dB -10.44 dB 4:02 09-Lady Sings The Blues
DR9 0.00 dB -11.56 dB 4:20 10-Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me
DR9 0.00 dB -10.49 dB 4:03 11-You Go To My Head
DR9 0.00 dB -10.79 dB 3:43 12-They Can't Take That Away From Me
DR8 0.00 dB -9.72 dB 3:33 13-Now Or Never
DR10 0.00 dB -12.29 dB 5:17 14-Don't Explain
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Number of tracks: 14
Official DR value: DR9

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3006 kbps
Codec: FLAC
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Thanks to the Original customer!