Down in Black Bottom: Barrelhouse Mamas
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Audio CD (20 April, 1999)
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Reviews (3)

why can't I meet girls like this?
Not much I can add to the other rave reviews...just want to say that Lucille Bogan should be on a postage stamp,the lyrics of Satan Is Busy In Knoxville should guarantee it a po-mo cover version by some jaded boho and the interaction on Taint A Cow In Texas is worthy of Bessie Smith/James P. Johnson (high praise, if you don't know it!). One of my favorite CD's of the year. This whole Yazoo series is essential.

One of those things that....
if people gave it half a chance, they'd thoroughly enjoy it. The voices and music are raw, soulful....defiant almost.Tunes about tough times, especially for a woman, sung by obviously tough ladies. Likewise, tough, raw, emotional voices. Some of these tunes are incandescent with intensity: St. Louis Bessie's "Meat Cutter Blues" is as confident in its dreams of illicit sex and Lucille Bogan's "Sloppy Drunk Blues" is sad in its loneliness and alcoholism.

Give these tunes whatever spin you like....but the basic notion is that these tunes will touch something in you....and you'll tap your foot at the same time.

Marvelous
Yazoo continues it's line of priceless collections made from nearly extinct 78's with this stunning set of sensual, deep soul sides. The sound quality has been masterfully restored - no easy feat considering the rarityand age of these finds. The intimacy of these piano masseurs - PinetopSparks, Roosevelt Sykes, and Cow Cow Davenport - and their women gives megoosebumps sometimes, sometimes it just makes me sigh. Sexy, warm,unbelievably artful - this music will make you wonder what the hellhappened to music and why it hasn't been THIS good in fifty years. Greatlate night listening, makes drinking alone a very desirable thing. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IIRW
Sales Rank: 76197
Subjects:  1. 20's    2. 30's    3. Blues    4. Classic Female Blues    5. Piano Blues    6. Pop    7. Ragtime    8. Vaudeville Blues   

The Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Backed by a rotating roster of jazz stars, Smith's potent delivery made her a peerless star of classic female blues, combining a fiercely independent, almost defiant approach with subtly effective tinges of vulnerability. Early cuts such as "Downhearted Blues," which supposedly saved Columbia records from extinction in 1923, and "T'aint Nobody's Bizness If I Do" feature only Clarence Williams's piano behind her, but it's her work with Louis Armstrong that truly stands out-Satchmo majestically bobs and weaves his cornet around Smith's lines on "St. Louis Blues," "Reckless Blues," "I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle," and the ragtime chestnut "You've Been a Good Old Wagon." Unfortunately, Columbia offers buyers only two options: this cursory 16-song introduction or an exhaustive five-volume double-CD series. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Collection - Bessie Smith
For the purist.Not digitally remastered so it does not have the same sound quality that we are used to hearing today.For that reason the lyrics will often be unclear and sound like they are being sung from very far off.And they are - the distant past.

A GREAT addition to any quality music collection
This is a great disc. It is my first disc of old blues crooners and I plan to continue exploring the genre. She has so much SOUL!! The old analog sound gives character to the disc but is not too disracting from the music. You can feel the history in the recording but can easily feel and relate to the emotions that Betty is tellin.

A GREAT addition to any quality music collection
This is a great disc. It is my first disc of old blues crooners and I plan to continue exploring the genre. She has so much SOUL!! The old analog sound gives character to the disc but is not too disracting from the music. You can feel the history in the recording but can easily feel and relate to the emotions that Betty is tellin. ... Read more

Asin: B0000026N0
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Classic Jazz    4. Pop   

Blackbottom
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1991)
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Editorial Review

The classic blues belter had been singing for two decades before she ever put her voice on record, and it shows on these recordings from the mid- to late '20s. The archetypal blues shouter, Rainey had a voice whose depth and strength is startling and sometimes alarming, even on these scratchy old recordings--one can only imagine what she must have sounded like in real life. Her backup musicians include such notables as pianist Fletcher Henderson, trombonist Charlie Green, guitarist Tampa Red, and trombonist Kid Ory, all performing fairly straightforward 12-bar blues. It's not the material here that's notable, so much as Rainey's voice, a voice that has informed the work of female blues singers ever since. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The cream of Ma Rainey's crop
Gertrude 'Ma' Rainey was billed by her record company as the "Mother of the Blues" (something which pleased her greatly), and although there was blues and blues singers even before her, she was certainly one of the genres most important trailblazers.

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is a fine collection of 14 of Ma Rainey's best songs recorded between 1924 and 1928. She was a powerful and expressive singer, and she is backed here by various brass- and/or string bands (Kid Ory, Coleman Hawkins and Tom Dorsey being credited among the musicians).

The sound quality on these recordings, of which some are almost 80 years old, is surprisingly good, and among the highlights are "Shave 'Em Dry Blues", "Yonder Come The Blues" and the title track.
This is highly recommendable to anyone with an interest in early blues, or even jazz.

Ma Rainey Should Sing Forever
Here is a hot CD!Ma Rainey is recaptured in all her richness.What a great listening experience, especially for those who love to hear the African American sound the way it was!No wonder August Wilson found such a wonderful tapestry on which to draw his play -- the music on this CD wants to be heard again and again.

Ma Rainey is rare!
Ma Rainey was a classic blues singer, whose many songs are over 70 years old, but still highly beautiful and entertaining. This collection shows it all. If you are just starting to listen to the blues, I recommend you to get this! ... Read more

Asin: B000000G86
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop   

Hoodoo Lady (1933-1937)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 April, 1991)
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Editorial Review

True to her billing ("plays guitar like a man"), Minnie held her own in a genre dominated by male artists. She had a gutsy voice and a no-nonsense guitar style. These 20 prime cuts were done in Chicago for the Vocalion and ARC labels. Recorded in the late '30s, many contain small band accompaniment that included Charlie McCoy's dynamic mandolin as well as legendary pianists Blind John Davis and Black Bob. Two cuts, "Please Don't Stop Him" and "I'm Going Don't You Know," feature Arnett Nelson's smooth clarinet work. Although Minnie would continue to record for several more decades, she would never be better than she was during these sessions. --Lars Gandil ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Essential country blues record.
This is an absolute must have for any serious blues collector and any fan of music.I have approximately 100 blues CDs, many from this era and this is easily one of the best 5.Anyone looking to begin a blues collection would be well advised to purchase these great early Memphis Minnie recordings.Her guitar playing may well surpass even the great Tampa Red and her vocals have a more startling and rhythmic quality than female contemporary Bessie Smith. ... Read more

Asin: B0000027DC
Subjects:  1. Acoustic Memphis Blues    2. Blues    3. Classic Female Blues    4. Country Blues    5. Pop    6. Prewar Country Blues    7. United States of America   

Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, 1928-1929
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 June, 1994)
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Reviews (1)

Magnificent blues singing
This is music of astonishing quality and power. Bessie Tucker may not have the posthumous fame of the other Bessie, but she emerges from these scratchy but well remastered records as a genuine blues giant.
This CD contains her complete output, including six alternate takes. Her ever-present accompanist is a distinctive and spontaneous pianist, K.D.Johnson. The 1929 tracks add a guitar and, sometimes, are anchored by a brass bass
Tucker's blues lyrics merit special attention, which her clear diction makes easy. Her concerns extend beyond familiar staples of men and infidelity to cover travel, railroads, prison camps and a broader than usual picture of southern rural life. It's unforgettable.
No lover of blues should be without this. ... Read more

Asin: B000000J42
Sales Rank: 77099
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop   

Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1926-1927)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 September, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Borrowing innuendo from Bessie Smith and a ragtime piano style from Scott Joplin, Spivey was a popular Texas performer in the late 1920s and an actress and bandleader throughout the '30s and '40s. The first of five Document CDs in this exhaustive career retrospective opens with her first single, "Black Snake Blues," recorded at age 20. It's a blueprint of her playful style--she sings about you-know-what on "Steady Grind" and its repercussions on "Humored and Petted Blues"--and the prolific Spivey deserves more recognition today for her considerable influence. Volumes two through five progress through 1941.--Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Test of endurance...
I have to say,I LOVE early blues "Queens" specially Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.They were the ones who inspired me to look further and find Mamie Smith,Ida Cox,Sippie Wallace,Alberta Hunter and Victoria Spivey.The reason why Bessie and Ma are still remembered and other women are in their shadow is that "Queen" and "Mother" had special talent which still comunicates with listeners (even through primitive recordings of 20-ies),while magic of other singers depends very much of individual taste and endurance of the listener.Specialised in collecting theseancient recordings in complete volumes,"Documents" have enourmous importance but these CD's are a bit too overwhelming for a casual listener.Victoria Spivey did not posses God's gift like Bessie Smith,Armstrong or Billie Holiday to turn stones into gold,so listening 23 songs through plink-plonking piano,sameness of tempo and ancient technology didnt made me fan for life.When she join forces with a guitar man Lonnie Johnson,things start happening but its already half way through CD and usualy I had enough.Spivey sound much more interesting later in life,on album recorded together with another 2 survivors of 20-ies,Alberta Hunter and Lucille Hegamin(excellent "Songs we tought your mother")around 1961.There is a very interesting chapter about Spivey in a book titled "Black pearls - blues Queens of 1920s" by Daphne Duval Harrison. ... Read more

Asin: B000000JAW
Subjects:  1. Acoustic Chicago Blues    2. Blues    3. Classic Female Blues    4. Pop   

Complete Works, Vol. 1 (1925-1929)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 1997)
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Reviews (2)

A superb1920's by-way
Chippie Hill was one of the lesser known of the classic 1920's blues singers, but this excellent reissue amply demonstrates that she loses only a little by comparison with Ma Rainey or even the magnificent Bessie Smith. The most memorable tracks are the ten on which she is accompanied by Louis Armstrong, whose obligatos and solos are respectively sensitive and utterly commanding. These alone justify purchase, but there's a variety of other treasures, including apppearances by Georgia Tom on piano with Tampa Red's guitar, a track with Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, and several small band settings anchored by Richard M. Jones' piano. Sound quality is as good as could be hoped, playing time is generous, and full discographic details are given.Strongly recommended. "Trouble in Mind ","Pleadin' for the Blues" and " Pratt City Blues" are among the greatest and most moving blues of this or indeed any other decade.

The lady who introduced the jazz standard "Trouble In Mind"
Bertha Chippie Hill was not only one of the finest blues singers from the 1920's, she was also one of the only singers to make a complete comeback in the 1940's, she kept recording and performing until her accidental death, when she got hit by a car in 1950.Hill was not only a fine blues singer, she could handle hot numbers, torch songs, ballads, and swingers too.This very talented and versitile singer introduced a number of classic jazz standards most notable "Trouble In Mind."This CD pretty much covers her output of the 20's.She worked with many top jazz musicians like Lovie Austin & Jimmie Noone.She was rediscovered by writer Rudi Blesh in 1946, working in a bakery.Appearances on Blesh's "This Is Jazz" radio series resulted in her coming back to the music scene, performing at the Village Vanguard, Jimmy Ryan's and even appearing at Carnegie Hall in 1948 with Kid Ory. She sang at the Paris Jazz Festival, worked with Art Hodes in Chicago and was back in prime form in 1950, right before her freak accident death.on this great CD she is backed by the best jazzmen like Louis Armstrong, Shirley Clay, Georgia Tom Dorsey, Tampa Red and Punch Miller.This CD seems to be the only one in print, so pick it up.Hill also recorded nine selections on two dates in 1946 with Lee Collins, Lovie Austin, Baby Dodds and Montana Taylor, which will hopefully someday be reissued.This CD is however highly recomended. ... Read more

Asin: B000000JBA
Sales Rank: 172154
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Pop   

Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1, 1923
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 April, 1997)
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Reviews (4)

Ida Cox, one of the finest classic blues mama's of the 20's
Ida Cox had a distinctive and very appealing voice, she was one of the few blues moaners who could sing on the same artistic level as Bessie Smith, as a matter a fact many of Cox's recordings have more bite to them then Smith's.Here are 24 of Cox's 1st recordings which date between 1923-1924.The sound quality is exellent considering this is the early 20's, and Cox communicates to todays listeners just as well as she did in the 20's.One can clearly hear and understand every word she says, a somewhat dicty singer, yat so bluesy and down to earth.If you like a blues singer who can sing jazz and swing, you will enjoy Ida Cox, and if you like Bessie Smith you will also appreciate Cox's work.There are three other volumesin this series that reissue all of Cox's recordings and they are all stronly recomended.Also if you like Ida Cox, go see Lavay Smith, next time she stops by you're town.Lavay Smith sings a lot of classic blues numbers made popular by or written by Ida Cox, Helen Humes, Billie Holiday, and Bessie Smith.Lavay is a young but stylized vocalist in the traditional jazz vein, listen to her CD "One Hour Mama"(which was Cox's composition), you'll lover her too.

one of the best singers from the 20's, a must have CD!!!
Ida Cox was one of the most talented of the classic blues singers of the 1920s. This Document CD has 24 of her first 32 recordings and, although one regrets that it is not a "complete" series (hopefully the dozen other alternate takes will be reissued by Document eventually), the music is consistently enjoyable and timeless. In fact, quite a few of the lyrics (many of which were written by Cox) were later permanently "borrowed" by Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams; the first stanza of "Goin' to Chicago" was taken from "Chicago Monkey Man Blues" and "Bear-Mash Blues" has a couple of Williams' best lines. When one considers that the music on this CD is taken from 1923-24, it can certainly be considered ahead of its time! Most of the musicians backing Ida Cox are excellent, particularly pianist Lovie Austin and (on five numbers) cornetist Tommy Ladnier and clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant. The recording quality (even with some surface noise) has been greatly cleaned up for this reissue and Cox's singing is very easy to understand. Although uncrowned, Ida Cox (who after retiring in 1945 came back for a final recording in 1961) can still communicate to today's listeners, something than can be said about very few other singers from 1923HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Interesting but - hard to digest!
In theory,the idea of sorting this precious blues recordings in chronological order sounds great (why Austrian label?) but once faced with full-lenght CD,listener must admit that these songs were not meant to beplayed for more than 30 minutes.What sounds as cracky,charming primitivesound of 20-ies, soon became monotonious - specially as the only musicbackground was often just plink-plonking piano (in this case LovieAustin,interesting female piano player) and tempo hardly changes.Instead ofpresenting overview of her career in chosen song programe,this precious buthard-to-digest "Document" CD kills any desire to explore more ofIda Cox music.She was interesting woman but her music in 1923. was verymuch the same story over and over again. NOTE: her own "GraveyardDream Blues" was succesfully covered by "Empress" BessieSmith who had strange habbit of showing her superiority (and complex) bycovering hits of her competition singers. ... Read more

Asin: B000000JB2
Sales Rank: 267236
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Pop