Esther Phillips was perhaps too versatile for her own good, at least commercially speaking; while she was adept at singing blues, early R&B, gritty soul, jazz, straight-up pop, disco, and even country, her record companies often lacked a clear idea of how to market her, which prevented her from reaching as wide an audience as she otherwise might have. An acquired taste for some, Phillips' voice had an idiosyncratic, nasal quality that often earned comparisons to Nina Simone, although she herself counted Dinah Washington as a chief inspiration.(AllMusic) Acceptable. File under: Versatile Voices.
Discography:
In the music library: Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 Volume 5 (1962-1966): Release Me; And I Love Him
Links: Wikipedia AllMusic Discogs 45cat Soulwalking