SHIRLEY WITHERSPOON
Magic and Love (Hot Springs Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

---

Jazz singer Shirley Witherspoon has released ten cuts of classic jazz that includes "As Time Goes By," "It Had to Be You," "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me," and Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Hello Young Lovers." Her 40+ years as a jazz singer in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area included touring with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, an opening act for Maynard Ferguson, and an inaugural performance honoring President Nixon. On Magic & Love, Shirley's 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." No worries, Shirley. I'm sure Lady Day would approve of the whole record. Magic and Love is a great introduction to some of the more popular songs of the American jazz songbook.

Track List;

It Had to Be You * Mama Treat Your Daughter Mean * As Time Goes By * Hello Young Lovers * T'aint Nobody's Business If I Do * My Ship * Do Nothing Until You Hear From Me * Night Train Blues * Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere * You Don't Know What Love Is

© 2001 - Eric Steiner