the slings and arrows in song

This disc gives us a mature, world-weary Etta, who sings her heart out in this fabulous jazz album, mostly about the slings and arrows of love, obsession, and in "He's Funny That Way", a recognition of one's own character failures. One of the main strengths of the CD is the choice of material, which consists of some of the best melodies and strongest lyrics ever written, and Etta wrings every ounce of soul out of them.

Outstanding are "Love Letters", "Cry Me a River", and the one that sticks with me long after the CD is over is "My Man".



This is music that will be appreciated by those who have been through the mill and come out a little bruised; those unscathed by life and love might not appreciate this recording, which may be one of Etta's finest, in the same way.

The musicians are superb, and echo the vocals in feeling. Cedar Walton on piano, Ronnie Buttacavoli on trumpet, Josh Sklair on guitar, and Red Holloway on tenor sax are stellar, as well as Tony Dumas, bass / Ralph Pendland, drums / George Bohannon, trumpet, and on "Love Letters", Rick Baptist, flugelhorn and Ron Powell on percussion.

The final track is sung by Etta's mother, Dorothy Leatherwood, and she'll bring a tear to your eye with her rendition of "Blue Gardenia".



Recorded between November of 2000 and March of 2001, the sound is terrific, and has a very intimate sound, as if one were front row and center in a small club.

The fold-out insert has a song list, recording info and liner notes: no lyrics, but one of the beauties of Etta's singing is her diction, and she makes every word understandable; there are no "misheard lyrics" on this CD.

Total playing time is 61'20.

In response to the last review

Etta James is not dead! Perhaps you are thinking of Etta Jones?

Rather Etta than Ella anytime...

All I know about EJ is what's on this recording. I wish I had listened to her long before. But she has the right combination of tenderness and sweaty hot sexy soul and it just suits me fine. I don't think the album will ever get tired.

Favorite tracks: "In My Solitude" and "Cry Me a River" but all the rest are close behind. There is a great intimate sax solo on "...Solitude."

I don't see how I could go wrong in buying more music from the superb Etta James.