SPOON TRIBUTES

Toronto's Town Tavern, was a very special jazz venue for a young struggling musician and radio host like me. In fact, I was barely eligible to get in to the club, due to my age. There were the greats, the near greats. Some performances were obviously memorable and have stayed that way in my mind, these many years. I just wanted to say that when 'Spoon' took the stand, there just wasn't anything else in my world. His power and presence was awesome.' - Larry Green @ JAZZ.FM

'Spoon was a gracious man and a good friend to have. His singing was always so great. His timing was impeccable and he put so much feeling into his songs that they were very inspiring - even moving.  We had some real good times and I miss him a lot.' - Charlie Musselwhite

'Jimmy Witherspoon was a very gifted and soulful singer. His phrasing was absolutely out of sight as well as his timing, which to me are two of the great key factors in a great Blues singer, but he was so much more than a Blue singer, because he straddled the fence between Jazz and Blues and explored these styles with confidence and passion. To me, the really wonderful thing about Spoon's voice is that when you hear the very first note he sings, you automatically know and say to yourself, 'That's Jimmy Witherspoon!' And that, to me, is what makes an entertainer truly Great, when he or she has there own recognizable style with their voice or instrument, because then there's no doubt. He even took 'Ain't Nobody's Business' and wound up completely owning this song, which is no easy feat! I must say, that my favorite performance by Spoon is a tune called 'Cane River' and for those who are not familiar with this composition, I suggest you check it out. His vocal phrasing swings like mad while always resting relaxed behind the beat! Jimmy Witherspoon will always be remembered as one of the true great legends in Blues and Jazz and so he can rest assured that his music will always live on!'  -Rusty Zinn