Customer Reviews

Ma Rainey

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ok, (whew) how do I review this one? First of all, let me just say that the sound quality is bad. It takes MULTIPLE listening to get used to this cd. You really have to be open-minded and be able to concentrate. If you are able to do that, then you should have no problem enjoying this cd. After all, before there was Billie or Bessie there was Ma Rainey. The growl in her voice just makes you jump and some of the things that she sings about will shock you (because she was so far ahead of her time). Ma Rainey's life and music should be taught in every America's music class. This cd is a gem, but requires a lot of patience.

Gosh! I just happened to buy this CD a week back from my local music store. Apparently there werent any takers for this one for months, thats what the store salesguy told me. And i was laughing half hysterical! Unbeleivable, no one wanted to buy Ma Rainey, probably the only the cd of hers this store ever had. Anyways, I reached home and shacked it up my CD player, and KaBoom! it goes off like some really old bootleg LP from prehistoric times. My first reaction wasnt a very excited one, it was a little disappointing because of the sound quality. But then after 3 listens i was like OOOH Baybeh, she the gurl! Its not just exhilerating to hear her groaning and crooning 24 tracks sprawled over 72 bluesy minutes. This is the best it can get. Rambunctious acoustic blues with an awesome orchestration. just grab it if you see this one.

The cd was terrific and the quality was just as I expected..., real! My mother taught me a saying, I didn't understand it until I had to face the reality of it myself. It was, "I've forgotten more than you'll ever know." This means there are so many experiences,so much history that our parents, grandparents and ancestors, witnessed, that was crammed into their lifetimes than they were capable of recalling, to us. I stop to think of what went on during the making of this music, what wasn't listed in the history books; romanitisizing of what everyday life struggles and accomplishments of the '30's and '40's. And to still have the power to put out such incredible music! Never forget where you came from and learn from your past and history because you can't have a future without it!

This record is an excellent sample of the roots of the blues.
The remastering work preserves the old sound as mute witness of the moment.
It's a great opportunity for young people to know this kind of music.}
Enjoy it!