Despite being on the scene since the 1950s as a singer, a drummer and an occasional alto sax player, this is just
Della Griffin's third album. Similarities to
Billie Holiday's Verve Records voice are unmistakable, particularly on those tunes most closely associated with
Lady Day like "The Very Thought of You," "You Go to My Head," and "All of Me." But
Griffin is not a
Holiday clone: she brings her special interpretive qualities to this set of nine standards. She delivers an aching rendition of "This Bitter Earth" that holds up very well with
Dinah Washington's seminal version.
Griffin has extraordinary backing on this session.
Houston Person brings all of his experience working with such singers as
Ernie Andrews,
Lou Rawls, and especially
Etta Jones. His bluesy saxophone is a perfect foil for
Griffin's husky, smoky voice. "All of Me" is a platform for
Ray Drummond's lyrical bass playing. Kenny Washington's brushes stand out on this cut. David Braham, who is on one of
Griffin's earlier recordings, is familiar with the
Griffin singing style and his piano is accordingly sympathetic. Vinnie Corrao's clean, uncluttered guitar is very effective on "Yesterdays." It's been over six years between recording sessions for
Della Griffin. Based on her performance on this album, there should be a shorter lapse of time before the next release. The sole complaint is the paucity of playing time, just a bit over 41 minutes. ~ Dave Nathan