Billie Holiday Commodore test pressings
$
255
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Description
From the estate of Milt Gabler, founder of Commodore Records, comes a rare test pressing for the 12" release of Billie Holiday's self-titled record on Commodore FL 30,008. The white-label disk, hand-dated "3-21-59" and "11-10-59", is in near-new condition, with a high luster; minor scuffs on one side from storage in a paper sleeve. Also included is an original (deep-groove) copy of the record in its art cover, also from the Milt Gabler's collection. The playing surface is in immaculalate condition; perhaps played once or twice. The cover has a 1" split on the bottom seam, at the opening; # "456" stamped on the back in the upper left corner. It was Gabler who took the risk of recording Billie's "Strange Fruit" after Columbia had rejected it because of the lyrics' racial/political content.
Personnel includes Frankie Newton, Vic Dickenson and Doc Cheatham.
