Cassandra Wilson will release an otherworldly homage to Billie Holiday, called, “Coming Forth By Day” with Legacy Recordings on April 7. That is the day that would have been Holiday’s 100th birthday.
Wilson, who has drawn inspiration from Billie Holiday for her entire life, chose the title as a way to honor the iconic singer. “Coming Forth By Day” is an English translation of the title of the ancient Egyptian “Book of the Dead,” a collection of magic spells intended to assist the journey of those that have passed on through the afterlife.
Wilson has taken a characteristically fearless approach to “Lady Day’s” iconic catalog. Wilson has chosen songs that span Holiday’s tragic, abbreviated career—some lesser known and many famous. She also penned the dream-like new “Last Song (For Lester),” imagined as a heartbreaking final message from Billie to her lover Lester Young. Upon getting the news that Young had passed away, Holiday flew straight from overseas to his funeral but was denied the opportunity to sing by Young’s family and was distraught.
“‘Coming Forth by Day’ is an homage dedicated to the beauty, power, and genius of Billie Holiday. A collection of musical spells, prescriptions for navigating the dubious myths surrounding her life and times, this record is a vehicle for the re-emergence of Billie’s songbook in the 21st century,” says Wilson.
About Post Author
