Customer Reviews

Bessie Smith: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 2

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Bessie Smith's greatest collaborations with Louis Armstrong--need I say more? Two of the greatest artists of their time working together to create some of the greatest music of the entire century. This is the best of the Complete Bessie Smith volumes to have--this is the artist in her (recording) prime.

Rough, rowdy, and precious was our dear
Bessie. Treat your ears to a woman who
still blows the competition away.

Featuring nearly 2 hours of Bessie's best,
this double disc collection contains 37 tracks
and is a "must" for those who love early 1920s
blues and jazz. A real treat here, for those
who also love Armstrong's early cornet work (as
mentioned in the other review) are seven tracks
she did with Louis:

St. Louis Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
Reckless Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
Sobbin' Hearted Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
Cold in Hand Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
You've Been a Good Ole Wagon (Jan. 24, 1925)

Careless Love Blues (May 27, 1925)
I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (May 27, 1925)

The whole Complete Recording series (Vol. 1 - 5) is a must get for any old-time jazz/blues collector, afficionado, lover. I knew I always liked Bessie, but in reality I'd only heard a few numbers that were often played (St. Louis Blues). Upon hearing her other stuff, she has become one of my all-time favorite musicians ever.
These sets come with booklets that put perspect on each track. Be aware that the booklets overlap with the same info from one vol to another at the beginning of each one. But each one does offer new/different info towards the end.