by Scott Yanow
Pianist John Hicks only actually saw Billie Holiday perform once but was enthusiastic about recording this Lady Day tribute. His renditions of ballads and blues (with only &What a Little Moonlight Can Do& being faster than a medium-tempo pace) are tasteful, relaxed, melodic and somewhat predictable. The music (which also features bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Victor Lewis) is consistently excellent but rarely rises above the level of superior background music, lacking the emotional intensity that Holiday could give these songs. The music is solid but not inspired.