Customer Reviews

Mean Mothers, Independent Women's Blues, Volume 1

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

 

 

This is one of the finest collections of women blues singers ever made... And one of the first! The ever-fab Rosetta record label issued several pioneering reissues that examined the role of women artists in blues, jazz and R&B. This is one of their finest releases, with a dozen+ classic vintage blues tunes from the 1920s, '30s and '40s. Highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue music reviews)

To my great sadness, and after years of pursing this CD, when it came in the mail, it was so full of loud pops and static that it is unlistenable! I understand that these are old recordings--I did have a cassette tape of this same release which is what drove me to find CD. I'd been looking for either a CD or another cassette since about 2002. I was so excited to finally find one, and then so sad to actually hear it.

I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in a digital remaster.

What an amazing album! If you like early blues music and artists like Bessie Smith, Lil Armstrong and Ida Cox, then you will love this compilation. Other than Billie Holiday and Lil Armstrong, this recording of women blues singers from the 20s, 30s and 40s may not have many well-known names, but the talent is clear. Full of beautiful, deep voices and heart-felt emotion, singers like Bessie Brown, Harlem Hannah, Blu Lu Barker and Bertha Idaho, evoke hope and strength amidst struggle and sorrow in the only way that the blues can, by lifting us up with ardent, expressive songs that echo our own pain. There is also wit and brashness in the songs in regards to women's roles and position in society during those eras. "One Hour Mama," for example, allows women to express their own sexuality as more than just a passive partner and does it with humour. It is funny, sad, moving, empowering and it's beautiful music, too. As I said, if you like the blues and achingly sweet, rich and powerful voices, then you'll like this CD. BTW, I first heard this on cassette tape and while there is a lot of noise and hiss, the sound has depth. I later purchased the CD, which cleaned up the noise, but flattened out the sound quality, unfortunately.

I don't have the cd of this however i do have the vinyl. it is absolutely my favorite record i own. i was hoping to find volume two if it exists.

I had the entire set of Rosetta Records for years and years. Whenever I listened to them, I had the sense I was hearing directly from these women--through time and space. Then, then, I sold them for no good reason. I miss them and now I'm saving to rebuy them. Darn. Grieve with me, my fellow music lovers.