Mina Agossi - Well You Needn't (2006)

Mina Agossi offers listeners her unique singing talents on Well You Needn't, a 12-track recording that features songs as varied as her creative muse. Five tracks written by Agossi feature the rarely heard African kamala n' goni played to perfection by Bachir Sanogo while the other side of Agossi's musical personality pays tribute to such versatile musicians as Jimi Hendrix on "Voodoo Chile" and to Thelonious Monk on "Well You Needn't." Known throughout Europe for the use of her voice as an instrument and charismatic personality, Agossi's renditions of these songs have sparked a new interest in her vocal, drum, and bass style, which was evident in her first two recordings released in France. Agossi's free improvisations are what make this recording memorable and her fresh approach to vocal jazz (the use of her voice as a horn and guitar) is reminiscent of Carla Cook's and Suzanne Pittson's innovative vocal eccentricities. However, "Why Don't You Do Right?" is the sexiest and probably the best song on this record. ~ Paula Edelstein