Mark Murphy: Memories Of You- Remembering Joe Williams (CD: HighNote)
A "singer's singer" for half a century, Murphy's discography cites close to 40 albums, 7 Grammy nominations and winning the laurel wreath of Down Beat Reader's Poll Best Male Jazz Vocalist of 2002. He boasts a staunch international fan base that includes quality peer-groupers -- Kurt Elling built a career off his style, and Shirley Horn and Sheila Jordan are avid admirers -- and enough critical plaudits to fill a few scrapbooks. Here Murphy weaves his seductive web on a set of 11 main-stem classics from the Joe Williams songbook without distorting or detracting from their blues identity. Helping him to swing the blues right is a killer rhythm section, comprising pianist Norman Simmons, who doubles as the date's arranger, Monk competition bass winner Darryl Hall, and drum giant Grady Tate. (HighNote Records)
Price: £13.99
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