Wishing on the Moon

This biography is also a history of the musical era of Lady Day, a songstress with little formal training. We also meet the great musicians of her time who lived and worked with her. Fields discloses a consistent narration in this detailed portrait. Numerous quoted characters offer vivid anecdotes. Fields emphasizes their contributions with thoughtfulness and precision. Her voice asserts ample personality when necessary and explicit description is needed. Emerging from this profile is a complex story of race relations, drug abuse, discography and a legendary jazz singer. B.J.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine