Just a Little Lovin'

Tributee: Dusty Springfield.
Though she's ostensibly identified as a country singer, Shelby Lynne has ventured credibly into soul, pop, and jazz with the assurance of a true vocal talent. In retrospect, her various stylistic routes can be seen as prologue to JUST A LITTLE LOVIN', wherein she tackles the looming legacy of one of her aesthetic forebears, Dusty Springfield. Interestingly enough, the project was suggested by none other than Barry Manilow, apparently a pal of Lynne's, and the results bear out the wisdom of his notion. Tackling classics from Springfield's legendary mid-to-late-'60s recordings, Lynne wisely avoids flat-out imitation, opting instead for a stripped-down, low-key approach that should resonate well with those enamored of the post-Norah Jones croon universe as well as fans of Springfield's original (and considerably brassier) pop gems.