Complete Vanguard Recordings (Triple Jewel Case) [Box set, Original recording remastered]

Big Mama Thornton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 18, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set, Original recording remastered
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B00004S81Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,026 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #16 in Music > Blues > Regional Blues > West Coast Blues
  • #86 in Music > Blues > Regional Blues > Texas Blues

Editorial Reviews

3 CDs of Big Mama for the price of two! Includes her albums Jail, Sassy Mama , and Big Mama Swings , which has never been on CD. Jail includes the classic Ball and Chain , which Janis Joplin turned into a vocal showcase!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Turbocharged, hard drivin, lip smaking, foot stompin BLUES!!, July 26, 2001

By 

David Cantu "Blues Chef" (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Vanguard Recordings (Triple Jewel Case) (Audio CD)

I am a "born again" blues listener. This colletion of three CD's could probably be called the rollercoaster of Texas-based blues. Ms Thornton is the connection to past female blues greats, such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. This is the performer that inspired Janis Joplin. The first CD, (a live performance recorded in a jail) includes "Ball and Chain", which she dedicates to Janis. The second CD entitled "Sassy Mama" includes "Rolling Stone", "Mr Cool and "Sassy Mama", the title track rocks as if it were a live recording. The final CD is a previously unreleased collection that, to me is the best of the three. All are good!

The collection includes a booklet written by Ed Ward, the rock historian for National Public Radio's "Fresh Air". In this booklet one will discover that Ms Thornton was a far more flamboyant personality than Janis, preferring Gin and Milk to Janis' Southern Comfort. Another fact that will surprise you will be her connection to Elvis Presley's fame. Every track rocks, she lifts you by the collar and screams you into the blues. This collection is a must for anyone that enjoys hard drivin female blues vocalists

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerhouse, April 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Complete Vanguard Recordings (Triple Jewel Case) (Audio CD)

This three disc set is one that I keep finding myself returning to time and time again. It's raw power and energy, like being assualted with rythm. Each track refuses to be ignored. Big Mama Thornton rips into song with a power reminiscent of Koko Taylor and Janice Joplin. Every time I've listened to this I find it incredible that Big Mama Thornton hasn't received more recognition than just "Hound Dog". If you like music as an experiance (versus just background noise) do not miss this!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful collection, April 2, 2011

By 

Jaya (Charleston, WV United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete Vanguard Recordings (Triple Jewel Case) (Audio CD)

The songs on these CD's are amazing. If you like old-time blues, this is the set to get. Down-home vocals by Big Mama accompanied by talented musicians. I have not stopped playing it since it arrived. My favorites are "Mr. Cool" "Goodbye Baby" and "Big Mama Swings." Thanks Amazon!!!