Blues in the City (1999)

About this title: Shreveport, LA native Laverne Butler came up in a musical family, and she's learned her lessons well. She sings jazz, blues and gospel in a manner quite reminiscent of Nancy Wilson, with a sleek, supple voice that oozes class. There are no gimmicky affectations or cutesy inflections, just straight soul. Backed by pianist/producer Bruce Barth and bassist John Webber -- both first-class players -- and drummer Klaus Suonsaari, Butler sings some of her favorite standards known worldwide. The CD starts with a string of tunes, including a swinging "This Bitter Earth," a ballad treatment of "Please ... read more

Tracks:

1. This Bitter Earth [Otis]
2. Please Send Me Someone to Love [Mayfield]
3. Hit the Road Jack [Mayfield]
4. Willow Weep for Me [Ronell]
5. The Blues Are Out of Town [Hillman/Derise]
6. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) [Arlen/Mercer]
7. Late Sunday Afternoon [Barth]
8. I'm a Fool to Want You [Wolf/Herron/Sinatra]
9. Born to Be Blue [Wells/Torme]
10. Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying [Greene]
11. All That I Know [Butler]
12. Since I Fell for You [Johnson]
13. Backwater Blues [Smith]
14. Days of Wine and Roses [Mercer/Mancini]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.