Billie Holiday, The Brilliant Cocktail

Like a well-made cocktail, Billie Holiday sparkled, seduced, and knocked out her fans. And life did the same to her. Listening to her music, even though the last of it was recorded almost 55 years, will do the same to you.

Her life was a surprising mixed drink of sorrow and success, and ended with a sour note, even as her music continued to intoxicate. The name Billie Holiday is still warm on the pallets of music lovers today, and warming up again, because of recent recording releases and tributes to her on the market and on the stage today.

In London Alexandra Burke is shaking off her pop roots to play the jazz singer in the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, and so is Nina Kristofferson at the Charing Cross Theater. Both performers are getting rave reviews.

Jasper Hope, Royal Albert Hall chief operating officer, said: “No other artist has held a residency in the Elgar Room but when we heard what Alexandra wanted to do we simply had to make it happen. Seeing any artist in such an intimate space is an incredible experience but to be able to enjoy Alexandra’s performance of those incredible songs is going to be a knockout start to the summer.”

Critics have said of Kristofferson’s performance, “Her phrasing and time is heartfelt as she take you on a journey which encapsulates her many influences, including prostitution, the cops, doing time and the effects the drugs had on her life. Her relationship with, her work, the abuse she suffered by those who took advantage of her. What drove and finally killed her.”

Combine these performances with a new complication disk of her best work, “Billie Holiday, The Story Vol. 1” and she’s sure not to be forgotten, but savored, as she is tasted again and again.