On the non-guitar side of the blues, there are a few new releases that come highly recommended. Toni Lynn Washington brings her vocal charms to bear on her third CD, Good Things (Tone-Cool 34047-1175-2; 43:45). The North Carolina native summons up sanctified power on the churchy slow blues “Oh What a Dream” and on Edward Frank’s “Satisfaction.” Other highlights here include her sassy reading of Percy Mayfield’s “We Don’t See Eye to Eye,” her sly take on the funky “Don’t Forget Me” and her homage to Joe Williams on the jaunty, driving shuffle “Alright, Okay, You Win.” Classy and soul stirring.
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