"Good Things" from blues diva Toni Lynn Washington; Laurel Masse
by Seth Rogovoy

(WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., Feb. 10, 2000) - Toni Lynn Washington could have been one of those forgotten legends of rhythm and blues, one of those shooting stars whose flame shone brightly for a short while and then seemingly died out.

After a career pretty much out of the spotlight, Washington was discovered laboring in the trenches of show business a few years ago, and signed to Boston's Tone-Cool record label.

Since that time, Washington has recorded three albums for Tone-Cool, including her brand-new "Good Things," which will be in stores next Tuesday, Feb. 15.

"Good Things" is indeed full of them. Whether belting a slow, gospel-style soul ballad like "You're Gonna Make Me Cry," growling through an organ-laced blues like "Satisfaction," or leading her band through the paces of a horn-drenched, swinging R&B stomper like "Meet Me in the Middle," Washington's voice grabs a listener and doesn't let go. Not for nothing does the album open with the title track, a smoky bit of R&B/funk called "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait."

Lines like "you've been gone too long baby, too much longer than you should" take on added resonance after one learns that Washington first performed and recorded in the 1950s and '60s. Working in a style somewhere in between the elegance of Ruth Brown and the grit of Koko Taylor, Washington remained under the popular radar throughout the years, until she began recording for the Boston-based Tone-Cool label in the mid-'90s. Her sultry alto also shows the influence of male soul singers, including Jackie Wilson ("Looking at the Future"), for whom she opened shows in the 1960s, and Ray Charles ("Satisfaction," "Oh What a Dream"). Washington sang in a group called Sister Love with former members of Charles's Raelettes in the 1970s.

Also influenced by LaVern Baker and her namesake, Dinah Washington, Toni Lynn Washington has been nominated for awards by W.C.Handy Blues Foundation and NAIRD. A native of North Carolina, Washington first moved to Boston with her family in the 1950s, when she began performing in nightclubs. At 18, she married and moved to New Orleans. There she recorded "Dear Diary" with her musical partner, Edward Frank, which became a top-50 hit single.

In the early 1980s, Washington moved back to Boston, and since that time her live shows have been garnering rave notices in the blues and general press. She makes her Berkshire debut tonight and tomorrow night at Club Helsinki in Great Barrington. Showtimes are at 9; call 528-3394 for more info.

Laurel Masse's eclectic vocals

An early member of the jazz-pop vocal group Manhattan Transfer, Laurel Masse is a versatile vocalist whose voice seemingly knows no bounds. Her latest album, "Feather and Bone," recorded live at the Troy (N.Y.) Savings Bank Music Hall, includes folk spirituals ("Motherless Child"), Quaker hymns ("How Can I Keep From Singing?"), several pieces by Johannes Sebastian Bach, a revised version of "Ave Maria," and a few Scottish ballads.

Masse's varied experience includes recording dates with rock singers Jerry LaCroix, Tim Moore and Tim Curry, solo piano, chamber ensemble, big band, full orchestra, a capella, half a dozen recordings with the Manhattan Transfer, and jazz albums as a leader including "Alone Together" and "Easy Living." "I have always had open ears and an eclectic approach to music," said Masse recently.

Masse will be performing a Valentine's Day program of jazz as part of the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Winter/Spring concert series on Monday, Feb. 14, at 7, at the Pittsfield library. Accompanying Masse are pianist Vinnie Martucci, bassist Steve Rust, and drummer Newman Taylor Baker. Masse and her group will also be at the Van Dyck in Schenectady, N.Y., next Friday night, Feb. 18, performing two shows at 7 and 9:30.

Backstage bits

Throughout the 1980s the Bluestars were one of the most prominent bands on the local club scene. The R&B/swing group boasted a cast of musicians that reads like an all-star team of Berkshire talent, and the much beloved group undoubtedly tops many lists of the all-time best Berkshire bands.

Tonight, alumni of the Bluestars, including Charlie Tokarz, Steve Ide, Rob Putnam, Bill Voiers and Bob McVeety, congregate at 9 at the Lion's Den at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge for a Bluestars reunion. Admission is free. For more info call 298-1654.

Next Thursday, Feb. 17, Ozzie's Depot in Dalton will be the site of a live recording session, with past hosts of the Depot's weekly open-mike night reuniting for an "alumni party." Berkshire musicians including Fran Mandeville, Jason Webster, Michael Haynes, Charlie Mead, Bob Charczuk and Sue Choquette will be on hand, performing until the tape runs out. Organizers hope to have recordings of the event available for sale in both cassette tape and CD format next month.

Search by Artist Name Album Title

[This column originally appeared in the Berkshire Eagle on Feb. 11, 2000. Copyright Seth Rogovoy 2000. All rights reserved.]