MEZZ MEZZROW – 1936-1939 | The Chronogical Classics – 694 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Considering the collective personnel and an unusually close communication between these players, this disc is a serious contender for the "Best of Mezz" award. By 1936, Mezz Mezzrow had developed into an able clarinetist and an expert at putting together strong traditional jazz ensembles. There are five sessions' worth of material gathered together to form this segment of the Mezzrow chronology. Each date produced top-notch small band swing, played by some of the best jazz musicians in the world at that time. None of this is exaggeration. On the opening session, for example, the clarinetist is flanked by trumpeter Frankie Newton and tenor sax man Bud Freeman, backed by a rhythm section including Al Casey, Wellman Braud, and Willie "The Lion" Smith! This group's two-part rendition of Stuff Smith's "I'se a-Muggin'" is a very close cover of the somewhat smoother version cut two days earlier by Jack Teagarden with the Three T's, a leisure service of Paul Whiteman. While Teagarden's timing and tone was impeccable, part one of Mezz's take has a rather gruff vocal by the Lion, who sounded like a friendly cigar-gnawing gangster whenever engaging in theatrical patter. In his liner notes, Anatol Schenker accuses these musicians of being stoned or at least under-rehearsed. According to that criterion, most of the records made by Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young would be in artistic jeopardy simply on account of cannabis and spontaneity. Criticism of this sort is inaccurate, unfair, and misleading. Mezzrow's only 1937 session as a leader used three fine jam tunes that he composed in collaboration with arranger Edgar Sampson, and a formulaic stomp based on a simple but effective idea by Larry Clinton. This band swung hard with a front line of Sy Oliver, J.C. Higginbotham, Mezzrow, and tenor saxophonist Happy Caldwell, who expresses himself marvelously on these recordings. Like all the rhythm sections on this collection, the combination of Sonny White, Bernard Addison, Pops Foster, and Jimmy Crawford is first rate. Mezzrow was lucky, savvy, and well connected in lining himself up with Tommy Ladnier, Sidney de Paris, James P. Johnson, Teddy Bunn, Elmer James, and Zutty Singleton. Anyone familiar with this kind of music should be somewhat awed by that lineup. These were to be some of Ladnier's last recording dates, and should be savored along with the Bluebird sides he made with Mezzrow and Sidney Bechet during this same time period. "Comin' on with the Come On" is laid out in the classic Mezzrow two-part configuration of slow blues/fast blues. Sidney de Paris growls through his horn, mingling wonderfully with Ladnier. A second Bluebird session about one month later scaled the band down to a quintet with Ladnier and Mezzrow backed by Pops Foster, Teddy Bunn, and the no-nonsense drumming of Manzie Johnson. Bunn played guitar exquisitely and his vocal on "If You See Me Comin'" is a gem. The last four titles feature vocalist Rosetta Crawford in front of a band chosen from several of the previous sessions. Rosetta resurrects three old-time blues masterpieces by Perry Bradford and "Stop It Joe," a little-known novelty by the great James P. Johnson -- who is sitting in at the piano. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

BESSIE SMITH – 1927-1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 870 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

By the spring of 1927 Bessie Smith was making some of the toughest records of her entire career. Whoever lined her up with a sextet led by Fletcher Henderson did the world a great service, for here we get to enjoy Smith's handling of selections directly from the heart of the jazz repertoire. "After You've Gone" takes on all the majesty of Smith's best blues, and she seems to relish providing us with the verse in addition to the familiar chorus. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" is suddenly more substantial than ever before. This woman could sing anything. Even "Muddy Water (A Mississippi Moan)" completely transcends its Tin Pan Alley origins, becoming a fine slow drag without any vestiges of kitsch. "There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" has been described by military historians as the theme song for the Spanish-American War. Hearing Smith sing it is one of the cardinal experiences in all of traditional music. She made every song into something peculiarly her own. That's Coleman Hawkins back there with a clarinet. On the following day, March 3 1927, Smith teamed up with her tried-and-true Blue Boys. "Trombone Cholly" is a tribute to Charlie Green, also known as "Big Green." His well-timed interactions with the singer's powerful voice, supported by the cornet of Joe "Fox" Smith and Fletcher Henderson's piano, are a wonder to behold. Green lovingly nudges her along through the verses of "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair," a harrowing tale of knife-inflicted double homicide. "Them's Graveyard Words" carries a similar murderous current, something Smith was always happy to convey. Few vocalists have ever been able to express honestly troubled feelings with this blend of gravity and humor. April 1, 1927 found the singer once again in the distinguished company of pianist James P. Johnson. Bessie Smith specialized in the artful portrayal of the pissed-off woman archetype. "Lock and Key," a hilarious indictment of a cheater, has Smith stripping her unfaithful man of nearly every article of clothing she bought him. At one point the scenario is garnished with a colorful threat: "I'll shoot them off if I hear you cough!" This is one of Smith's very best pieces of theatrical entertainment, especially on account of her excellent working relationship with James P. Johnson. "Mean Old Bed Bug Blues" takes things down to a funkier texture of piano and glib blues guitar. Smith's reading of "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" might be the most soulful version ever caught on record. "Homeless Blues," dealing specifically with Mississippi floodwater disaster, is an extension of "Back Water Blues." Even as her accompaniments change from date to date, Smith's blues are consistently fine, as when Tommy Ladnier's trumpet finds common ground with the tuba of June Cole. It simply doesn't get much better than this. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

SIDNEY BECHET – 1923-1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 583 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first in a series of Classics CDs focusing on the recordings of Sidney Bechet, this disc features the clarinetist/soprano-saxophonist on two early titles with blues singer Rosetta SissCrawford, his torrid 1932 session with The New Orleans Feetwarmers (which also features trumpeter Tommy Ladnier and is highlighted by "Shag" and "Maple Leaf Rag") and sides from Noble Sissle's somewhat commercial orchestra. Fortunately Sissle was wise enough to give Bechet plenty of solo space on some of his selections, most notably "Polka Dot Rag." Even with a few indifferent vocals, this CD is recommended to those not already owning this music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :

SIDNEY BECHET – 1938-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 608 (1991) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This entry in Classics' chronological reissue of the master takes of Bechet's early recordings finds the soprano great playing with trumpeter Tommy Ladnier and Mezz Mezzrow on the famous "Really the Blues" session, performing a hit version of "Summertime," overshadowing the other members of the all-star Port of Harlem Seven and recording "Indian Summer" and a hot version of "One O'Clock Jump" in a 1940 session for Victor. However, half of this CD is taken up by an odd and surprisingly restrained marathon date with pianist Willie The Lion Smith in which they perform Haitian folk songs. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

JIMMIE NOONE – 1923-1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 604 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The material on Jimmie Noone's 1923-1928 is great; however, fans of New Orleans jazz should keep both eyes open in order not to get caught up in a web of duplication. In the end it would be insulting to downgrade the music itself simply because reissue companies more than half a century later insisted on stepping on each other's toes. The identical year that this release came out on the Classics imprint, the French EPM Musique line saw fit to put out many of the same tracks under the name of trumpeter Freddie Keppard. Both Keppard and Noone played in various bands led by Doc Cook, and it is these sessions by such groups as the Doc Cook Dreamland Orchestra that make up the bulk of both the Noone and Keppard collections. As if this wasn't confusing enough, the French company put out the material again in 1998 with a slightly different cover. Meanwhile the great Cook has yet to have his recipes brought to the table under his own name, but that's the music business for you. Noone created the balance of the material on the Classics set with his own Apex Orchestra, all told bringing the total number of different titles up to 23. It is a bit less material than on the French sides, which substitute the Noone bandleading efforts for tracks by the Erskine Tate Vendome Orchestra. Noone collectors will be thus forced into nabbing the Classics CD whether they have one or both of the other sets anyway, but hopefully should not be dissapointed by the lively, well-played music. In all cases it is a chance to experience a side of New Orleans jazz that has gotten much less play than the better-known small-combo styles. Eugene Chadbourne
Tracklist + Credits :

FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1926-1927 | The Classics Chronological Series – 597 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD, in Classics' chronological series, which captures the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra at its peak, is overloaded with classics: "Jackass Blues," "The Stampede" (which has a very influential tenor solo by Coleman Hawkins), "Clarinet Marmalade" "Snag It" and "Tozo" among others. In addition to Coleman Hawkins, Tommy Ladnier emerges as a major trumpeter and Fats Waller drops by for his "Henderson Stomp." Eight years before the official beginning of the swing era, Fletcher Henderson's orchestra was outswinging everyone. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1927 | The Classics Chronological Series – 580 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Fletcher Henderson's orchestra was at the peak of its powers during this period, as can be heard on such torrid recordings as "Fidgety Feet," "Sensation," "St. Louis Shuffle," and "Hop Off"; even the overly complex Don Redman arrangement "Whiteman Stomp" (which Paul Whiteman's musicians apparently had trouble learning) is no problem for this brilliant orchestra. Classics' chronological reissue of Henderson's valuable recordings on this CD covers the many highpoints of the peak year of 1927; only Duke Ellington's orchestra was on the level of this pace-setting big band. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

LOVIE AUSTIN – 1924-1926 | The Classics Chronological Series – 756 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Cora Calhoun was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on September 19, 1887. After years of active service as a touring vaudeville pianist, she put together a studio band called the Blues Serenaders. Professionally known as Lovie Austin, she was in her late thirties when these recordings were made. Anyone who has ever fished around trying to find Austin's music will appreciate the opportunity to soak up all 14 of the instrumental sides cut for the Paramount label under her leadership, in addition to 11 vocals backed by the pianist and various members of her band. Accompanying blues singers was Lovie's specialty, the most famous examples being her collaborations with Gertrude "Ma" Rainey and Ida Cox. The muddy sound of early Paramount recordings is nothing to be afraid of. Once you get acclimated the crusty boxed-in acoustics have a charm all their own. Listen to Edmonia Henderson as she belts out the lyrics to "Jelly Roll Blues" accompanied by Austin, Tommy Ladnier and Johnny Dodds. This trio backs the vaudeville team of Ford and Ford, giving us a taste of what Austin's regular theatrical working environment must have sounded like. Yet these vocal tracks seem like pre-show entertainment when compared with "Steppin' on the Blues" and its flip side "Traveling Blues," a catchy stomp closely resembling the "Weary Blues" by ragtime composer Artie Matthews. Clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant sounds great in this company -- in fact this is some of his best work on record. When W.E. Burton's percussion is added on the next session, it is clear why early recording engineers were reluctant to allow drummers to play anything more disruptive than a woodblock in front of those old carbon microphones. Burton, also an accomplished washboard artist, hammers away during two numbers exploiting the popularity of James P. Johnson's "Charleston" with snappy vocals by Priscilla Stewart. "Heebie Jeebies" sounds like "Some of These Days" while "Peepin' Blues" has a little bit of "King of the Zulus" about it. With "Mojo Blues" we're already at the tail end of Ladnier's recorded work with Austin. "Don't Shake It No More" sounds like "Ballin' the Jack," "Rampart Street Blues" has a bit of a West Indian chorus and "Too Sweet For Words" sounds like one of Jelly Roll Morton's prettier ditties. With the amazing "Jackass Blues" and "Frog Tongue Stomp" we're faced with a solid front line of Kid Ory, Natty Dominique and Johnny Dodds. "Frog Tongue" contains a fine example of Lovie's ragtime piano. Of the six blues vocals from 1926, "Walk Easy 'Cause My Papa's Here" is the most substantial. The interplay between Natty Dominique and Kid Ory during the closing instrumentals is complimented by the presence of Johnny Dodds and banjo man Eustern Woodfork. After this magnificent history lesson, you'll want to hear Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders accompanying Alberta Hunter on an album recorded in 1961, part of Riverside's remarkable series Chicago: The Living Legends That slogan seems particularly pertinent to the life and work of Lovie Austin. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1    Edmonia Henderson–    Jelly Roll Blues 3:05
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Edmonia Henderson
Written-By – Morton
2    Ford And Ford–    Skeeg-A-Lee Blues 2:53
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ford And Ford
Written-By – Ford-Ford
3    Ford And Ford–    I'm Three Times Seven 3:01
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ford And Ford
Written-By – Douglas
4    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Steppin' On The Blues
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – O'Bryant, Austin, Ladnier
5    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Traveling Blues 2:35
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Austin
6    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Charleston Mad 2:33
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Priscilla Stewart
Written-By – Austin
7    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Charleston, South Carolina 2:49
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Priscilla Stewart
Written-By – Mack, Johnson
8    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Heebie Jeebies 2:48
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Ladnier
9    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Peepin' Blues 3:04
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Austin
10    Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders–    Mojo Blues 2:45
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Ladnier
11    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Don't Shake It No More 2:33
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Bob Shoffner
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Dorsey
12    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Rampart Street Blues 2:50
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Bob Shoffner
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Austin
13    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Too Sweet For Words 2:42
Clarinet – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Bob Shoffner
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Written-By – Shelton
14    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Jackass Blues 2:54
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Natty Dominique
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Written-By – Kassel, Stitzel
15    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Frog Tongue Blues 2:31
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Natty Dominique
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Written-By – Austin
16    Edmonia Henderson–    Who's Gonna Do Your Loving (When Your Good Man's Gone Away?) 2:54
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Edmonia Henderson
Written-By – Austin
17    Edmonia Henderson–    Nobody Else Will Do 2:43
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Edmonia Henderson
Written-By – Austin
18    Viola Bartlette Acc. By Lovie Austin's Serenaders–    Sunday Morning Blues 2:51
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Viola Bartlette
Written-By – Austin
19    Viola Bartlette Acc. By Lovie Austin's Serenaders–    You Don't Mean Me No Good 2:41
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Viola Bartlette
Written-By – Stevens
20    Viola Bartlette Acc. By Lovie Austin's Serenaders–    Out Bound Train Blues 2:57
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Viola Bartlette
Written-By – Bartlette
21    Viola Bartlette Acc. By Cobb's Paramount Syncopators–    Walk Easy 'Cause My Papa's Here 2:53
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Jimmy Cobb
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Viola Bartlette
Written-By – Cobbs
22    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Chicago Mess Around 3:00
Banjo – Eustern Woodfork
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Natty Dominique
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Henry Williams
Written-By – Austin
23    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Galion Stomp 3:02
Banjo – Eustern Woodfork
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Natty Dominique
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Written-By – Austin
24    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    In The Alley Blues 2:55
Banjo – Eustern Woodfork
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Natty Dominique
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Written-By – Austin
25    Lovie Austin And Her Serenaders–    Merry Maker's Twine 2:54
Banjo – Eustern Woodfork
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Natty Dominique
Drums – W.E. Burton
Piano – Lovie Austin
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Henry Williams
Written-By – Mack, Nelson

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1923-38) DOCD-5322 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ida Cox was one of the most powerful blues singers of the 1920s, ranking just below Bessie Smith. The Document label has reissued all of Cox's 1920s recordings on four CDs, leaving out many of the alternate takes (since there are a great deal from 1923-24) to be put out on a later series. The first CD has the master takes of all of Cox's recordings from 1923, plus four alternates. Except for the closing "Bear-Mash Blues," which finds the singer joined by her future husband Jesse Crump on piano, the music either features accompaniment by pianist Lovie Austin (an underrated blues player) or assistance from Austin, the great cornetist Tommy Ladnier and clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant. Cox was one of the few singers from this early period who could overcome the technical limitations of the primitive recording equipment and really communicate with the listener. Among the highlights from her first year on records are "Any Woman's Blues," "Graveyard Dream Blues" (which is heard in three versions), "Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues," "Moanin' Groanin' Blues," "Come Right In" (which has some lines that would become quite familiar in later songs) and "I've Got the Blues for Rampart Street." Highly recommended. Scott Yanow 
Tracklist :
1 Any Woman's Blues 3:36
2 Bama Bound Blues 3:17
3 Lovin' Is The Thing I'm Wild About 3:01
4 Graveyard Blues [Take 1] 2:55
5 Graveyard Blues [Take 2] 2:55
6 Weary Way Blues 2:47
7 Blue Monday Blues 2:48
8 I Love My Man Better Than I Love Myself 2:56
9 Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues [Take 3] 2:51
10 Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues [Take 4] 2:41
11 Moanin' Groanin' Blues 2:44
12 Chattanooga Blues 2:47
13 Chicago Bound Blues [Take 2] 2:41
14 Chicago Bound Blues [Take 3] 2:31
15 Come Right In 2:44
16 I've Got The Blues For Rampart Street [Take 3] 2:45
17 I've Got The Blues For Rampart Street [Take 4] 2:48
18 Graveyard Dream Blues [Take 2] 2:52
19 Mama Doo Shee Blues 3:03
20 Worried Mama Blues 3:15
21 So Soon This Morning Blues 2:59
22 Mail Man Blues 3:01
23 Confidential Blues 2:58
24 Bear-Mash Blues 2:47

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 2 (1924-1925) DOCD-5323 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike most of her contemporaries, who spent at least part of their time singing vaudeville-type material and pop songs, Ida Cox stuck throughout her career to the blues. On the second of four Document CDs that reissue all of her 1920s material (although some of the many alternate takes are bypassed), Cox is mostly accompanied by either Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders (which usually includes cornetist Tommy Ladnier and clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant, although the great Johnny Dodds is on six selections) or, on one date, members of Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra. The recording quality of these Paramount 78s (which cover a 13-month period) is erratic, but there are a few classics here, including "Chicago Monkey Man Blues" (which has some lyrics that would later be used for "Going to Chicago"), "Blues Ain't Nothin' Else But," "Wild Women Don't Have the Blues" and "Death Letter Blues." Throughout, Ida Cox (who was second to Bessie Smith at the time) is quite consistent, making the most of her limitations. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Mean Lovin' Man Blues (Take 3)  2:49
Accompanied By – The Pruit Twins
Banjo – Milas Pruitt
Guitar – Miles Pruitt
Vocals – Ida Cox
2 Down The Road Bound Blues (Take 2)  3:20
Accompanied By – The Pruit Twins
Banjo – Milas Pruitt
Guitar – Miles Pruitt
Vocals – Ida Cox
3 Last Time Blues (Take 2)  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
4 Worried Any How Blues  3:04
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
5 Chicago Monkey Man Blues (Take 1)  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
6 Chicago Monkey Man Blues (Take 2)  2:52
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
7 Mean Papa Turn Your Key  3:03
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano, Leader – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
8 Blues Ain't Nothin' Else But! (Take 2)  3:13
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Lovie Austin
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Ida Cox
9 Worried In Mind Blues (Take 1)  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone [Poss.] – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant, Stump Evans
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
10 My Mean Man Blues (Take 1)  2:42
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Alto Saxophone [Poss.] – Charles Harris 
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant, Stump Evans
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
11 Kentucky Man Blues  2:58
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
12 Cherry Picking Blues  3:19
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
13 Wild Women Don't Have The Blues  2:27
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
14 Worried In Mind Blues (Take 3)  3:00
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
15 Death Letter Blues  3:04
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
16 My Mean Man Blues (Take 4)  2:36
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Her Blues Serenaders
Clarinet – Johnny Dodds
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
17 Those Married Man Blues  2:52
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
18 Misery Blues  3:13
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
19 Graveyard Bound Blues  3:20
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Howard Scott 
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
20 Mississippi River Blues  3:12
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Howard Scott 
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
21 Georgia Hound Blues  3:12
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Howard Scott 
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
Whistle – Unknown Artist
22 Blue Kentucky Blues  2:54
Accompanied By – Her Five Blue Spells
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Drums [Prob.] – Kaiser Marshall
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Charlie Green
Vocals – Ida Cox
23 Black Crepe Blues  2:53
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Serenaders
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox
24 Fare Thee Well Poor Gal  2:50
Accompanied By – Lovie Austin And Serenaders
Clarinet [Prob.] – Jimmy O'Bryant
Cornet – Tommy Ladnier
Piano – Lovie Austin
Vocals – Ida Cox

IDA COX - Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 3 (1925-1927) DOCD-5324 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third of four "complete" Ida Cox CDs from Document has 14 selections from 1925, six from 1926 and four from 1927. Most of the sessions feature the masterful blues singer assisted by Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders, whose personnel was changing during this era -- they featured either Tommy Ladnier, the underrated Bob Shoffner, Bernie Young or Shirley Clay on cornet, Jimmy O'Bryant or (on two songs) Johnny Dodds on clarinet, and other unidentified musicians, including a trombonist. In addition, there are three duets with banjoist Papa Charlie Jackson, a couple of numbers in which Cox is joined by cornetist Dave Nelson and Jesse Crump on reed organ, and the first four tunes from a lengthy 1927 set that has Cox accompanied only by Crump's piano. Most interesting is "How Long Daddy, How Long," which was the basis of Leroy Carr's famous "How Long Blues." Other highlights include "Long Distance Blues," "Southern Woman's Blues," "Coffin Blues" and Cox's famous "'Fore Day Creep." All four of the discs in this valuable series are easily recommended to serious blues collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Cold Black Ground Blues 2:54
2 Someday Blues 2:55
3 Mister Man - Part 1 2:59
4 Mister Man - Part 2 2:45
5 Mistreatin' Daddy Blues (Take 1) 3:01
6 Long Distance Blues 3:01
7 Southern Woman's Blues (Take 2) 3:13
8 Lonesome Blues 2:52
9 How Long Daddy, How Long 2:58
10 How Can I Miss You When I've Got Dead Aim (Take 2) 2:44
11 I Ain't Got Nobody (Take 2) 2:56
12 Coffin Blues 3:16
13 Rambling Blues (Take 2) 2:36
14 One Time Woman Blues 2:56
15 Trouble Trouble Blues 2:56
16 Do Lawd Do (Take 1) 2:53
17 I'm Leaving Here Blues (Take 1) 3:06
18 Night And Day Blues (Take 2) 2:52
19 Don't Blame Me 3:04
20 Scottle De Doo 3:01
21 Fore Day Creep 2:26
22 Gypsy Glass Blues 2:41
23 Mojo Hand Blues 3:14
24 Alphonsia Blues 2:42

MA RAINEY - Mother of the Blues (2007) RM / 5CD BOX SET / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This superb five-disc box set gives a sweeping overview of the hugely influential music of blues legend Ma Rainey. Rainey was already a seasoned performer by the time she made her first recordings in 1923, and though she only recorded for six years she cut over 100 songs, many of which went on to become blues classics. Those tunes, including "C.C. Rider," "Bo Weavil Blues," and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," are here, alongside dozens of other gems. Rainey ranged across styles and settings, from acoustic blues to jazz to jug bands, but her saucy, gritty vocal delivery remained a lynchpin. Given the historical impact of Rainey's output, the set's title--MOTHER OF THE BLUES--is no understatement.  by AllMusic

Disc A : Featuring Tommy Ladnier & Lovie Austin

A-1 Bad Luck Blues

A-2 Boweavil Blues: 1

A-3 Boweavil Blues: 2

A-4 Barrel House Blues

A-5 Those All Night Long Blues: 1

A-6 Those All Night Long Blues: 2

A-7 Moonshine Blues

A-8 Last Minute Blues

A-9 Southern Blues

A-10 Walking Blues

A-11 Lost Wandering Blues

A-12 Dream Blues

A-13 Honey, Where You Been So Long?

A-14 Ya Da Do: 2

A-15 Ya Da Do: 3

A-16 Those Dogs Of Mine

A-17 Lucky Rock Blues

A-18 South Bound Blues

A-19 Lawd, Send Me A Man Blues

A-20 Ma Rainey's Mystery Record

Disc B : Featuring Don Redman, Fletcher Henderson & Louis Armstrong

B-1 Shave 'Em Dry Blues

B-2 Farewell Daddy Blues

B-3 Booze And Blues

B-4 Toad Frog Blues

B-5 Jealous Hearted Blues

B-6 See See Rider Blues, Pt. 1

B-7 See See Rider Blues, Pt. 2

B-8 Jelly Bean Blues

B-9 Countin' The Blues, Pt. 1

B-10 Countin The Blues, Pt. 2

B-11 Cell Bound Blues

B-12 Army Camp Harmony Blues, Pt. 1

B-13 Army Camp Harmony Blues, Pt. 2

B-14 Explaining The Blues, Pt. 1

B-15 Explaining The Blues, Pt. 2

B-16 Louisiana Hoo-Doo Blues

B-17 Goodbye Dady Blues

B-18 Stormy Sea Blues

B-19 Rough And Tumble Blues

B-20 Night Time Blues, Pt. 1

B-21 Night Time Blues, Pt. 2

B-22 Levee Camp Moan

B-23 Four Day Honorary Scat, Pt. 1

B-24 Four Day Honorary Scat, Pt. 2

B-25 Memphis Bound Blues

Disc C : Featuring Buster Bailey, Fletcher Henderson & Coleman Hawkins

C-1 Slave To The Blues

C-2 Yonder Comes The Blues

C-3 Titanic Man Blues, Pt. 1

C-4 Titanic Man Blues, Pt. 2

C-5 Chain Gang Blues

C-6 Bessemer Bound Blues, Pt. 1

C-7 Bessemer Bound Blues, Pt. 2

C-8 Oh My Babe Blues

C-9 Wring And Twisting Blues

C-10 Stack O'Lee Blues

C-11 Breaken Hearted Blues

C-12 Jealousy Blues

C-13 Seeking Blues, Pt. 1

C-14 Seeking Blues, Pt. 2

C-15 Mountain Jack Blues, Pt. 1

C-16 Mountain Jack Blues, Pt. 3

C-17 Down In The Basement

C-18 Sissy Blues

C-19 Broken Soul Blues

C-20 Trust No Man

Disc D : Blind Blake, Kid Ory & Claude Hopkins

D-1 Morning Hour Blues

D-2 Weeping Woman Blues

D-3 Soon This Morning

D-4 Little Low Mama Blues

D-5 Grievin' Hearted Blues

D-6 Don't Fish In My Sea

D-7 Big Boy Blues

D-8 Blues Oh Blues

D-9 Damper Down Blues

D-10 Gone Dady Blues, Pt. 1

D-11 Oh Papa Blues

D-12 Misery Blues

D-13 Dead Drunk Blues

D-14 Slow Driving Moan

D-15 Blues The World Forgot, Pt. 1

D-16 Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

D-17 Blues The World Forgot, Pt. 2

D-18 Hellish Rag

D-19 Georgia Cake Walk

D-20 New Bo Weavil Blues

D-21 Moonshine Blues

D-22 Ice Bag Papa

Disc E : Featuring Georgia Tom Dorsey, Tampa Red & Papa Charlie Jackson

E-1 Black Cat Hoot Owl Blues

E-2 Log Camp Blues

E-3 Hear Me Talking To You

E-4 Hustlin' Blues

E-5 Prove It To Me Blues

E-6 Victim Of The Blues

E-7 Traveling Blues, Pt. 1

E-8 Traveling Blues, Pt. 2

E-9 Deep Moaning Blues, Pt. 1

E-10 Deep Moaning Blues, Pt. 2

E-11 Daddy Goodbye Blues

E-12 Sleep Talking Blues, Pt. 1

E-13 Sleep Talking Blues, Pt. 2

E-14 Tough Luck Blues

E-15 Blame It On The Blues

E-16 Sweet Rough Man

E-17 Runaway Blues

E-18 Screech Owl Blues

E-19 Black Dust Blues

E-20 Leaving This Morning

E-21 Black Eye Blues, Pt. 1

E-22 Black Eye Blues, Pt. 2

E-23 Ma And Pa Poorhouse Blues

E-24 Big Feeling Blues