It's always a remarkable story for a musician to be on the shelf, unrecorded for decades, before the world at large acknowledges them.
Griffin
, a resident of Cleveland and Cincinatti before coming to Chicago, was "discovered" by
Delmark
's
Bob Koester
, and the result is this excellent CD.
's vocal style reflects the greats like
Carmen McRae
or
Shirley Horn
in her subtle bluesiness and bop influenced chance taking. Not surprising that she's sung with greats like
Diz
,
Bird
'Trane
Horace Silver
Miles
Dolphy
and many others. What is shocking is that it's taken so long for her to get to this point of documentation, for she is truly an exceptional singer in all regards.
's perspective can be romantic and melancholy (
"You've Changed,"
"You Won't Forget Me"
) lighthearted and loose (
"It's Crazy,"
"With A Twist Of The Wrist,"
) or out-and-out blues struck (
"Will You Still Be Mine."
) She'll just as easily tackle a bop anthem like
"Anthropology"
as do a chilling, weepy tribute as
"I Remember Clifford."
Everything jazz authentique is within her purview, and her voice seems to get stronger throughout the program. She's ably helped by Chicago jazz veterans; saxophonists
Mike Smith
Hank Ford
and
Ed Peterson
, trombonist
Paul McKee
, trumpeter
Art Hoyle
, pianists
Willie Pickens
Brad Williams
, bassist
John Whitfield
and drummers
Mike Raynor
George Fludas
Wilbur Campbell
, all top notch sessionmen.
Comparsion to others may be inevitable, but it's sure that
's singing will burrow a pipeline straight to your heart. The clarity and depth of her lyrics, her beautiful instrument, born to sing them, and her wiley, feminine way of expression, can't help but impress. This is a must buy for those fans of vocal jazz, and another candidate for vocal jazz CD of the year. ~ Michael G. Nastos