Flute-In

by Andrew Hamilton A landmark signing, Bobbi Humphrey was the first female ever signed by Blue Note Records. Her debut pays homage to songs popularized by others, no original material made it pass the drawing board. The petite flautist from Texas sticks to tradition on covers of "Ain't No Sunshine," and "It's Too Late," her flute conveying the songs' sentiment, and sadness as convincingly as any voice in music. Jazz roots spar with funk and soul influences on Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder," and Eddie Harris' "Set Me Free." The fight continues on Ben E. King's "Spanish Harlem," and which has more bounce and rhythm than the original. Bobbi displays dexterity and power throughout her coming out, mainstream LP.