Arguably Spoon's greatest album, this is superb music! Spoon was far more than a blues-shouter, just listen to 'Send Me Someone To Love'. Recorded in a London pub with the terrific support of British tenorman Dick Morrissey and one of the finest rhythm sections ever to emerge in the UK.
Writing in 1967, David Illingworth claimed this was Spoon's best record since his collaborations with Ben Webster, I wouldn't disagree. ~ grumpy
Review by David Illingworth ~ Jazz Journal, February 1967:
Undoubtedly the best Witherspoon album for many a year, though perhaps my pleasure was enhanced by the memory of several performances by Morrissey and Spoon. It is in fact a Quintet on this record; a complete whole, singer and backing. South and Bates create a solid background, and Seamen blasts the session along like an after-burner. The boy from Sutton County Grammar School gives Spoon the best tenor backing he has had since Ben Webster was behind him. On occasions he comes on like the old Fats Domino man Herb Hardesty—a direct rhythm-and-blues attack, but not vulgar. Those who have heard this combination over the past year or so will need no encouragement to buy this LP—the recording has been well done, despite the limitations the warm little room at Barnes may have suggested in this respect. Spoon is in fine form, and this is perhaps, his best recording ever—uncluttered by an all-star backing. The less interesting spots are the fast / Gotta Girl and Kansas City and Percy Mayfield's over-sentimental Someone To Love. But the word is less not least. Buy it.
01 - I Gotta Girl ( Who Lives On A Hill )
02 - Trouble In Mind
03 - Nobody Knows How I Feel This Morning
04 - New Down Home Blues
05 - Kansas City
06 - Compact Car
07 - Piney Brown's Blues
08 - Big Fine Girl
09 - Send Me Someone To Love
10 - Lotus Blossom
11 - St Louis Blues
12 - Things Are getting Tougher Than Tough (bonus)
13 - I'll Be So Glad (bonus)
Jimmy Witherspoon (vc), Dick Morrissey (ts), Harry South (p), Phil Bates (b), Phil Seamen (d)
Bulls Head, Barnes, London - May 23, 1966
