Search - Jimmy Witherspoon :: Best of

Fine blues

Steven A. Peterson | Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL) | 09/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a nice introduction to the work of Jimmy Witherspoon. I was not familiar with him, and this has been a welcome chance to learn more about his craft. The songs recorded here appeared between 1945 and 1951.



Here is a sampling of his work on this CD:



"Gone with the Blues": Witherspoon displays a nice blues voice, with a little shouting here and there. There is nice backing music, with (I believe) Jay McShann on piano, doing a rollicking job. One line:

"I got a big fat momma

Who sets my soul on fire."



"Confessin' the Blues": A very nice song and well sung. Jay McShann and his Jazz-Men provide great music for Witherspoon. One nice phrasing:

"Think about your future,

Forget about your used-to-bes."



"Hard-Working Man's Blues": Again, with the Jazz-Men playing with him. Some cool lines--

"Well, I work hard every day,

Yes, and I work on Sunday, too."

"Well, love is a gamble,

And you really played your hand."



Then, "Have You Ever Loved a Woman": The singer provides an evocative vocal styling. Fine lines:

"Have you ever loved a woman

And found her runnin' around?

Only thing to do,

It's time to put that woman down."



Overall, this was, for me, a terrific introduction to a fine blues singer.

"