Yesterday Today Tomorrow - Review
This disc came as a pleasant surprise as I had not previously heard of Janice Harrington. Born in America but having lived in Germany and worked in Europe for many years, she has a strong well controlled voice displaying good jazz chops. Apparently she sang with Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Lyttelton on the odd occasion. Dinah Washington was obviously one of Ms. Harrington’s role models and this album is dedicated that way, but she has her own slant and is no slavish imitator. The disc was recorded in 1988 but does not appear to have been released until now. All the songs in this varied programme get respectful and appropriate treatments and pianist Mayers deserves a special mention for his excellent accompaniment throughout. Makin’ Whoopee really swings as does Love Walked In. New Blowtop Blues is sung in heartfelt fashion and contrasts well with the amusing medium tempo Salty Papa Blues which benefits from the addition of Witte’s tenor as does Teach Me Tonight. I Let A Song is rendered very positively whilst Bye Bye Blues is mainly a feature for Jimmy Cobb’s drums. The final two numbers are bonus tracks and something of a mystery. Ole is a bass solo possibly by Alan Simmons or Lindy Huppertsberg, a lady who has worked extensively with Ms. Harrington. A tongue-in-cheek Willow Weep For Me recorded at a concert has some humorous scat interjections from Nat Adderley. A most enjoyable set that will certainly be appreciated by Dinah Washington fans.
Brian Robinson – Jazz Journal
JANICE HARRINGTON Nagel Heyer CD 110
YESTERDAY TODAY TOMORROW
(1) I Thought About You; Makin’Whoopee; New Blowtop Blues; MyOld Flame; (2) Salty Papa Blues; (1) Love Walked In; I Wanna Be Around; I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart; (2) Teach Me Tonight; (1) Lean Baby; Bye Bye Blues; (3) Ole; (4) Willow Weep For Me (42.14min)
(1) Janice Harrington (v); Lloyd Mayers (p); Keter Betts (b); Jimmy Cobb (d). Stockholm, 9 July 1988.
(2) as (1) but add Hans Maite Witte (ts).
(3) unknown bass player; no venue or date.
(4) Harrington (v); Nat Adderley (c, v); Billy Mitchell (ts); Mike Hennessy (p); unknown bass; Jimmy Cobb (d). Unknown concert, no date.