Vocalist Diane Witherspoon introduces herself to the jazz world with this debut for Koch Jazz CD. It's indeed unusual for a new singer to appear in such very good company. She performs the music of Cedar Walton and the lyrics of the brother-and- sister team of John and Paula Hackett.
The Hacketts have written lyrics for Joe Sample, John Handy and Kenny Barron to name a few. Cedar Walton needs no introduction to jazz buffs. His performances since his days with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers are highly valued by record collectors worldwide.
Diane is a young performer with a very seasoned vocal style. She is very much at home with the veteran instrumentalists including Cedar, drummer Billy Higgins and the two bassists who share duties on the CD, John Heard and Tony Dumas. I wondered if Diane is related to the late Jimmy Witherspoon and the answer is yes. She is a second cousin.
The young woman has genuine warmth of style and a beautiful voice. Both attributes combine to make this session work very well. Cedar Walton at 65 has weathered the years like a fine wine and his compelling performance on this recording is outstanding. A great rhythm section and the fine compositions of Walton and the Hacketts make this a very worthwhile CD.
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