The first seven numbers on
Confessin' the Blues show off
Esther Phillips doing sophisticated, big-band blues (backed by a small orchestra led by
Onzy Matthews) and giving direct and pointed yet elegant performances of "Confessin' the Blues," "I'm Gettin' 'Long Alright," and "C. C. Rider." The last four numbers, which comprise nearly 24 minutes, have
Phillips doing a jazzier set to start with, backed by a leaner band (most notably
Jack Wilson on piano), in a set produced for record by
King Curtis. The final medley of "Bow Top Blues"/"Jelly Roll Blues"/"Long John Blues" is the highlight of the set, showing
Phillips in a bluesy setting. The quality of the recording is excellent and comes out well here.
Phillips and her principal accompanists,
Herb Ellis (guitar) and
Lou Blackburn (trombone), are in excellent form on this 1966 set. ~ Bruce Eder