Wholly Earth

1	And It's Supposed To Be Love 5:12
2	Midnight Sun 8:23
3	Wholly Earth 6:01
4	Look To The Star 6:42
5	Another World 9:13
6	Conversation With A Baby 6:36
7	If I Only Had a Brain 5:33
8	Another Time, Another Place 7:13
9	Caged Bird 7:04
10	Learning How To Listen 6:32

Barnes & Noble

If you've never considered a consonant -- bit into an "n" and chewed, rolled around an "l" for a while -- you haven't spent enough time listening to Abbey Lincoln sing. That's just one of her idiosyncratic pleasures, all of which have perhaps never had as graceful and winning a showcase as this. Nearing her seventh decade, Lincoln sounds more direct, more authoritative, more wise and yet more playful than ever on WHOLLY EARTH. Her seven original compositions are purposeful, spiritual vignettes in which simplicity belies manifold meanings. And with guest Bobby Hutcherson's vibes glowing around her every word, the classic "Midnight Sun" takes on rare and special hues. Larry Blumenfeld

All Music Guide

Lincoln's place among the pantheon of great jazz singers is undisputed, but this recording finds her voice past its best years. The ravages of time have taken their toll, and the result is pleasant but not her best work. The drop in strength is especially evident in the opening duet with a much younger Maggie Brown. Still, the album has many fine moments, such as an easy swinging "If I Only Had a Brain" and the sweet original "And It's Supposed to Be Love." Her band is particularly fine, especially pianist Marc Cary and Bobby Hutcherson on vibes. Tim Sheridan