The recordings included on the classic Billie Holiday album Lady Sings the Blues come from two different studio dates, a complete session recorded in 1956, and four tunes from an earlier 1954 date. An additional track from the latter session has been added here as a bonus. The emphasis on both sessions was placed purely on Billie Holiday's singing, leaving little room for instrumental improvisation. However, the assembled cast of topflight musicians provided a superb backdrop accompaniment to Holiday's impassioned vocals.