A Legend of Jazz
12/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shirley Witherspoon's soothing, soulful singing style taps the deep wells of blues and gospel and has been delighting jazz fans for more than 30 years. In 1969, she started her career off right and was catapulted to fame and acclaim by performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Now, Shirley releases her third album, Magic & Love, on Hot Springs Records. Her selections on this record are timeless classics as well as personal favorites including Duke Ellington's "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me." Remarked Witherspoon, "I always try to lay some Ellington tracks down when I record, as a way to say 'thanks.'"Shirley's vocal stylings are distinct yet pay clear homage to Billie Holiday. Whether acting or singing, Shirley feels most at home on stage and starred in the ongoing "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" in her hometown of Minneapolis. In contrast to Lady Day's career, Witherspoon got her start at age four singing in church, rather than in Harlem jazz clubs. And instead of Benny Goodman, she was paired with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, of equal significance to the history of jazz music. But on Magic & Love, her respect for Lady Day shines strongest on "T'aint Nobody's Business if I Do." "I'll always associate this song with Billie Holiday," says Witherspoon. "I would never even attempt to take it from her, and, of course, I couldn't if I wanted to . . . I just give it my special treatment and hope Billie will approve."From the start of her professional career at age 19, Shirley's relationship with her supporting musicians has always been that of mutual respect. "They're my best friends," Shirley says, "always." With the chemistry and equal passion of Kenny Werner on piano as well as Twin Cities standouts Gordon Johnson on bass and Jay Epstein on drums, the 10 tracks on Magic & Love constitute what Witherspoon declares to be her best recording yet. Some of her old, and new, favorite musicians make special appearances such as Jean "Toots" Thielemans, who adds harmonica to the standards "It Had to Be You" and the Gershwin/Weill tune, "My Ship."Witherspoon has seen many dreams realized, but has many more to come true. Another recording for Hot Springs Records would be a well-received gift for her fans. It would be a great opportunity to offer up a staple of her live show, "What a Difference a Day Makes," in honor of another influence, Dinah Washington. Plus, she would love to take her show on the road again. Surely there is a jazz club in Paris that would benefit greatly from a string of appearances by Witherspoon. Chances are, they would go off like her last gig in February 2000: standing room only with an enraptured audience enjoying her music all night long."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1