As a longtime fan of Holiday, I am of the (dissenting) that her recordings on Verve are at least the equal of the earlier Columbias. In fact, I actually prefer the Verve recordings and have spent many a night reveling in the box set, which includes studio recordings, concerts, even rehearsals. Whatever her voice had "lost" as a consequence of her personal breakdown is more than compensated for by the added "texture" and depth of feeling--plus, the recording quality is generally very good. The Commodores and Deccas are also good, but neither of these periods is up to the brilliant Columbias or the profound Verves. If you can swing it, I recommend getting both box sets. The Columbias were remastered last year and sound much better than before. I listen to them and am impressed. But it has always been the Verves that really move me.
Good listening,
