The zenith of the slim
Pinky Winters catalog,
Lonely One remains a lost classic of the West Coast jazz idiom. Buoyed by the contributions of drummer
Chico Hamilton, pianist
Gerald Wiggins, and guitarist
Howard Roberts, its lithe and lively approach proves the perfect complement for
Winters' intimate vocals. Despite its melancholy title cut (one of four originals composed by the team of
Dick Grove and
Jack Smalley),
Lonely One for the most part favors up-tempo material well matched to
Hamilton's spirited rhythms.
Winters may not redefine standards like
Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" and
Johnny Mercer's "Jeepers Creepers," but she nevertheless invests the lyrics with uncommon intelligence and care, clearly savoring the give-and-take with her crack supporting unit.