Shirley Witherspoon - Magic & Love (CD)

All Music Guide

The cousin of blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon, Shirley Witherspoon has been singing professionally for more than 30 years. Among the many credits she has amassed is a year's sojourn with the Duke Ellington Orch. in 1969 and 1970. Influenced by Billie Holiday, with some Dinah Washington and Esther Phillips thrown in to give her voice a solid blusey sound, Witherspoon works through a program of ten good tunes on this her third album. She is accompanied by a stellar group of musicians including "guest" appearances by Jimmy Heath and Toots Thielemanns and a trio which includes A-one pianist, Kenny Werner. The rhythm section of Gordon Johnson and Jay Espstein add flair to their rhythm setting duties. The 30 years in the performing trenches has taken a toll on Witherspoon's vocal chords, at least as far as the technical capabilities are concerned. This wear and tear especially shows on the slower tunes where her voice quivers and where she reaches for some of the higher notes. But the pathos,... the soul, the phrasing and timing have been honed by the same years of experience making her interpretations of these songs gems when it comes to conveying a sense of the lyrics. In this regard, time has been her ally. Listen to her on Kurt Weill's "My Ship" with Toot Thielemanns' harmonica providing a setting making this poignant delivery one of the album's highlights. Kenny Werner shows that he is no slouch as an accompanist as amply demonstrated on a compelling "You Don't Know What Love Is." Witherspoon's way with up tempo numbers and it's too bad there aren't more of them on this disc. She adopts "T'aint Nobody's Business If I Do" as a personal statement as she ends up the tune announcing "And that's my whole philosophy". Significant scatting skills are brought out for "Night Train Blues" while Gene Adams' trumpet, along with Werner's funky piano on "Mama Treat Your Daughter Mean" form a partnership with Witherspoon's street wise approach to the lyrics. Magic Love is a lasting testament to interpretative skills of a fine singer gained through many years of performing and is recommended. - Dave Nathan, All Music Guide Read more Less