Jimmy Witherspoon

In what sounds like a late-'50s session at the Renaissance Club in Los Angeles, blues belter Jimmy Witherspoon is backed by an all-star quintet featuring soloists Ben Webster and Gerry Mulligan, with pianist Jimmy Rowles and his trio. There are ten classic selections: first-rate familiar tunes to all fans of the blues, and not a speck of cereal filler. 'Spoon and his band sound on the money, but the only problem lies in the production values, where the musicians -- and especially the vocalist -- are distant, and recorded a bit thinly. Regardless, this is a collection most fans of the legendary Witherspoon should want and search for. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide