In contrast to her previous Bill Evans tribute album, this outing by singer Karen Gallinger concentrates on blues-oriented material. Recorded live in a small club with her regular trio, Gallinger performs several different varieties of blues, from the swinging "Every Day I Have the Blues" and the old-time "If I Can't Sell It" to a couple Dave Frishberg songs, a soul piece from Bill Withers, and low-down blues by Booker T. Jones, Robert Johnson, and Willie Dixon. Gallinger is versatile enough to sound quite credible and passionate in each idiom, with the most effective songs being "Born Under a Bad Sign," "Who Is She and What Is She to You," "Doodin'," and "Wang Dang Doodle." Fans of the crowd-pleasing singer will enjoy this set.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo