A "singer's singer" for half a century, Murphy's discography cites close to 40 albums, 7 Grammy nominations and winning the laurel wreath of Down Beat Reader's Poll Best Male Jazz Vocalist of 2002. He boasts a staunch international fan base that includes quality peer-groupers -- Kurt Elling built a career off his style, and Shirley Horn and Sheila Jordan are avid admirers -- and enough critical plaudits to fill a few scrapbooks. Here Murphy weaves his seductive web on a set of 11 main-stem classics from the Joe Williams songbook without distorting or detracting from their blues identity. Helping him to swing the blues right is a killer rhythm section, comprising pianist Norman Simmons, who doubles as the date's arranger, Monk competition bass winner Darryl Hall, and drum giant Grady Tate.

With Bill Easley, reeds; Norman Simmons, piano; Paul Bollenback, guitar; Darryl Hall, bass; Grady Tate, drums.

Tracks: The Comeback; In the Evenin'; Everyday; Memories of You; Just Squeeze Me; It I Were a Bell; Close Enough for Love; Love You Madly; I Got It Bad; Sposin'; A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry.

 The Comeback

 In the Evenin'

 Everyday

 Love You Madly