MARTHA COPELAND — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 2 · 1927-1928 + IRENE SCRUGGS — The Remaining Titles 1926-1930 | DOCD-5373 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of many early blues and jazz women who were overshadowed and ultimately eclipsed by Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters, and Bessie Smith, Martha Copeland made about three dozen recordings during the 1920s that were reissued seven decades later on two CDs by the Document label. The second volume traces her Columbia recording activity from October 1927 to August 1928. Her little backing group, billed as her Smokey City Trio on December 6, 1927, was named after Copeland's home town of Pittsburgh, PA. "Wylie Avenue Blues" refers to the main drag in the Lower Hill District where the city's African-American population was concentrated. Her pianists during this period were Porter Grainger (tracks one through six); Rube Bloom (on "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and "My Daddy Can't Do Nothin' Bad"); James P. Johnson (on "Somethin' Goin' on Wrong" and "Desert Blues"); and J.C. Johnson, who is joined by cornetist Bubber Miley on "Mama's Well Has Done Gone Dry" and "I Ain't Your Hen Mister Fly Rooster." The second half of this compilation holds a smattering of records cut by St. Louis blues woman Irene Scruggs between April 1926 and August 1930. On "Home Town Blues" and "Sorrow Valley Blues," Scruggs was backed by King Oliver's Dixie Syncopators, a rough-edged little group that included trombonist Kid Ory and clarinetist Albert Nicholas; at the same session, Oliver's band backed Georgia Taylor as she sang "Jackass Blues." Scruggs is heard with guitarist Lonnie Johnson on tracks 15 and 16, and the disc closes with five titles recorded for Gennett in Richmond, IN, at the end of the summer of 1930. Anyone seeking more recordings by Irene Scruggs ought to investigate her collaborations with Blind Blake and Little Brother Montgomery, all dating from 1930. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Martha Copeland–    Shootin' Star Blues 2:44
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Martha Copeland
2.    Martha Copeland–    Good Time Mama Blues
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Martha Copeland
3.    Martha Copeland, Acc. Her Smokey City Trio–    Wylie Avenue Blues 2:40
Alto Saxophone – Andrew Mead
Piano – Porter Grainger
Violin – Ralph Jones 
Vocals – Martha Copeland
4.    Martha Copeland, Acc. Her Smokey City Trio–    Everybody Does It Now 3:02
Alto Saxophone – Andrew Mead
Piano – Porter Grainger
Violin – Ralph Jones 
Vocals – Martha Copeland
5.    Martha Copeland–    Bank Failure Blues 2:53
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Martha Copeland
6.    Martha Copeland–    Second-Hand Daddy 2:42
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Martha Copeland
7    Martha Copeland–    I Can't Give You Anything But Love 3:16
Cornet – Irving Peskin
Piano – Rube Bloom
Vocals – Martha Copeland
8.    Martha Copeland–    My Daddy Can't Do Nothin' Bad 3:04
Cornet – Irving Peskin
Piano – Rube Bloom
Vocals – Martha Copeland
9.    Martha Copeland–    Somethin' Goin' On Wrong 3:25
Clarinet – Clarence Adams
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Martha Copeland
10.    Martha Copeland–    Desert Blues 3:13
Clarinet – Clarence Adams
Piano, Speech – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Martha Copeland
11.    Martha Copeland–    Mama's Well Has Done Gone Dry 3:03
Cornet – Bubber Miley
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Martha Copeland
12.    Martha Copeland–    I Ain't Your Hen Mister Fly Rooster 2:45
Cornet – Bubber Miley
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Martha Copeland
13.    Irene Scruggs–    Home Town Blues 2:46
Alto Saxophone [Prob.] – Billy Paige
Banjo – Bud Scott
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Albert Nicholas
Cornet – King Oliver
Drums – Paul Barbarin
Piano – Luis Russell
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
14.    Irene Scruggs–    Sorrow Valley Blues (C-230) 2:34
Alto Saxophone [Prob.] – Billy Paige
Banjo – Bud Scott
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Albert Nicholas
Cornet – King Oliver
Drums – Paul Barbarin
Piano – Luis Russell
Trombone – Kid Ory
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
15.    Irene Scruggs–    Lonesome Valley Blues 3:17
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Piano – DeLoise Searcy
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
16.    Irene Scruggs–    Sorrow Valley Blues (80820) 3:10
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Piano – DeLoise Searcy
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
17.    Dixie Nolan - Johnnie Hardge–    Worried Love - Part 1 2:55
Guitar – Unknown Artist, Unknown Artist
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Johnny Hodges 
18.    Dixie Nolan - Johnnie Hardge–    Worried Love - Part 2 2:57
Guitar – Unknown Artist, Unknown Artist
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Johnny Hodges 
19.    Irene Scruggs–    You've Got What I Want 2:51
Piano [Poss.] – J. Norman Ebron
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
20.    Irene Scruggs–    I Want You To Give Me Some 2:57
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano [Poss.] – J. Norman Ebron
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
21.    Irene Scruggs–    My Back To The Wall 2:48
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
22.    Irene Scruggs–    Borrowed Love 2:44
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Irene Scruggs
23.    Irene Scruggs–    The Voice Of The Blues 2:52
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Irene Scruggs

MAGGIE JONES — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 1 · 1923-1925 (1995) DOCD-5348 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Collecting up all of Maggie Jones' earliest recordings from August 1923 to April 1925, this 24-track compilation features her in a variety of settings. Starting out with simple piano accompaniment from Don Redman or Fletcher Henderson, her later sides in the set find her working with fuller combos counting up at various times contributions from Louis Armstrong and guitarists Sam Clark and Roy Smeck. Taken from rarer-than-rare original 78s in fairly battered shape, two of the tracks have skips in them that no amount of noise reduction can fix. A seasoned theater performer, Jones had a classic blues style that wears well. Here's where her story begins. Cub Koda

Tracklist :
1.    Fae Barnes–    Do It Long Time Papa    2:54
2.    Fae Barnes–    I Just Want A Daddy    3:03
3.    Maggie Jones–    You Can't Do What My Last Man Did    2:39
4.    Maggie Jones–    Don't Never Tell Nobody What Your Good Man Can Do    2:41
5.    Fae Barnes–    You Don't Know My Mind (take 1)    3:00
6.    Fae Barnes–    You Don't Know My Mind (take 3)    3:02
7.    Fae Barnes–    Good-Bye Blues (take 1)    3:05
8.    Fae Barnes–    Good-Bye Blues (take 2)    2:58
9.    Maggie Jones–    Four Flushing Papa (What Kind A Man Is You)    3:11
10.    Maggie Jones–    Jealous Mama Blues    3:09
11.    Maggie Jones–    Box Car Blues    3:03
12.    Maggie Jones–    Western Union Blues    3:00
13.    Maggie Jones–    Poor House Blues    3:01
14.    Maggie Jones–    Anybody Here Want To Try My Cabbage    3:14
15.    Maggie Jones–    Thunderstorm Blues    2:57
16.    Maggie Jones–    If I Lose, Let Me Lose (Mamma Don't Mind)    3:13
17.    Maggie Jones–    Screamin' The Blues    3:13
18.    Maggie Jones–    Good Time Flat Blues    3:05
19.    Maggie Jones–    You May Go, But You'll Come Back Some Day    3:00
20.    Maggie Jones–    Early Every Morn' (I Want My Lovin')    3:02
21.    Maggie Jones–    Dangerous Blues    3:07
22.    Maggie Jones–    Suicide Blues    3:05
23.    Maggie Jones–    Undertaker's Blues    3:12
24.    Maggie Jones–    North Bound Blues    3:09
Credits :
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Cornet – Louis Armstrong (tracks: 13 to 20)
Effects – Unknown Artist (tracks: 15)
Guitar – Alabama Joe (J. M. "Doc" Miller Or Roy Smeck) (tracks: 21, 22), Sam Clark (tracks: 5 to 8)
Liner Notes – John Wilby
Piano – Donald M. Redmond (Don Redman?) (tracks: 1, 2), Fletcher Henderson (tracks: 3, 4, 11 to 20, 23, 24), Lemuel Fowler (tracks: 9, 10)
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Trombone – Charlie Green (tracks: 11, 12, 23, 24)
Vocals – Maggie Jones  

MAGGIE JONES — Volume 2 (May 1925 To June 1926) + GLADYS BENTLEY — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order 1928/1929 (1995) DOCD-5349 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two different blues-oriented vaudeville singers are featured on this CD, which is the follow-up to Maggie Jones, Vol. 1. Jones had a strong voice and is heard on the first 16 selections, backed by some Fletcher Henderson sidemen (including cornetist Joe Smith), the St. Louis Rhythm Kings, clarinetist Bob Fuller, trumpeter Louis Metcalf, and pianist Clarence Williams, among others. In addition, this CD has all eight recordings by singer-pianist Gladys Bentley, a male impersonator whose style is a bit of an acquired taste; guitarist Eddie Lang is fortunately on four of the numbers. This well-done release is not essential but has its moments of interest. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Maggie Jones–    Cheatin' On Me 3:13
Orchestra – Henderson's Hot Six
2.    Maggie Jones–    Mamma (Won't You Come And Ma-Ma Me) 2:58
Orchestra – Henderson's Hot Six
3.    Maggie Jones–    He's Just A Horn-Tootin' Fool 3:08
Orchestra – St. Louis Rhythm Kings
4.    Maggie Jones–    Go Get 'Em Caroline 3:11
Orchestra – St. Louis Rhythm Kings
5.    Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band–    Dallas Blues 3:01
Orchestra – Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band
6.    Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band–    South Street Blues 2:32
Orchestra – Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band
7.    Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band–    Never Drive A Beggar From Your Door 2:57
Orchestra – Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band
8.    Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band–    I'm A Back Bitin' Mama 2:58
Orchestra – Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Band
9.    Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Jazzers–    Single Woman's Blues 2:48
Orchestra – Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Jazzers
10.    Maggie Jones And Her Jazz Band–    Never Tell A Woman Friend 2:52
Orchestra – Maggie Jones, Acc. Her Jazzers
11.    Maggie Jones–    The Man I Love Is Oh So Good    3:01
12.    Maggie Jones–    I'm Leaving You    2:53
13.    Maggie Jones–    I'm A Real Kind Mama    2:57
14.    Maggie Jones–    You Ain't Gonna Feed My In Pasture Now    2:52
15.    Maggie Jones–    Mama Stayed Out The Whole Night Long    3:04
16.    Maggie Jones–    He Belongs To Me    2:58
17.    Gladys Bentley–    Ground Hog Blues    3:00
18.    Gladys Bentley–    Worried Blues    2:43
19.    Gladys Bentley–    How Long-How Long Blues    2:48
20.    Gladys Bentley–    Moanful Wailin' Blues    3:02
21.    Gladys Bentley–    Wild Geese Blues    3:00
22.    Gladys Bentley–    How Much Can I Stand?    3:05
23.    Gladys Bentley–    Big Gorilla Man    2:50
24.    Gladys Bentley–    Red Beans And Rice    2:57
Credits : 
Alto Saxophone – Bob Fuller (tracks: 7, 8, 10), Elmer Snowden (tracks: 7 to 10)
Banjo – Charlie Dixon (tracks: 1, 2), Elmer Snowden (tracks: 5, 7, 8)
Clarinet – Bob Fuller (tracks: 5, 7 to 9), Buster Bailey (tracks: 1, 2), Louis Maesto (tracks: 3, 4)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Cornet – Harry Cooper (tracks: 6), Joe Smith (tracks: 1, 2), Louis Metcalf (tracks: 11 to 14)
Drums – Christian Maesto (tracks: 3, 4)
Effects – Unknown Artist (tracks: 5)
Guitar – Eddie Lang (tracks: 19 to 22)
Liner Notes – John Wilby
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 15, 16), Cliff Jackson (tracks: 11 to 14), Fletcher Henderson (tracks: 1, 2), Louis Hooper (tracks: 5 to 10), Nick Moleri (tracks: 3, 4), Unknown Artist (tracks: 23, 24)
Piano [Poss.] – Gladys Bentley (tracks: 17 to 20)
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Trombone – Charlie Green (tracks: 1, 2), Jake Frazier (tracks: 11, 12), Pete Pellezzi (tracks: 3, 4)
Trumpet – Micky Bloom (tracks: 3, 4)
Vocals – Gladys Bentley (tracks: 17 to 24), Maggie Jones (tracks: 1 to 16)

SARA MARTIN — In Chronological Order Volume 1 (1922-1923) DOCD-5395 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Sara Martin was active during the 1920s as both blues vocalist and talent scout. She made a considerable number of records for the Okeh label, sang backup for Afro-Mexican-American gospel pianist Arizona Dranes with Richard M. Jones, and personally brought about the first recording session to feature the vaudeville team of Butterbeans & Susie. Sara Martin's "complete" recorded works were reissued by Document during the '90s, in four volumes under her name and on various compilations with other artists. Volume one covers her recording activity from October 17, 1922 through June 27, 1923; everything heard on this collection was recorded in New York City. She is backed by pianist Clarence Williams (tracks 1-4, 12-24), with whom she sings a duet (track 14); with Williams and his wife Eva Taylor, with whom she sings duets (tracks 15, 20, and 21); with cornetist and aspiring bandleader Thomas Morris (who provides support for Martin and Taylor on the tracks just mentioned); with composer and publisher W.C. Handy and his orchestra (tracks 9-11), and with songwriter Shelton Brooks, remembered today as the man who penned "Some of These Days," "Walkin' the Dog," "At the Darktown Strutters' Ball," and "I Wonder Where My Easy Rider's Gone." Brooks, who also recorded with Ethel Waters, plays piano on tracks 5-8 and uses his voice during the "Original Blues" and "I Got What It Takes to Bring You Back." This all adds up to a fascinating core sample of early African-American urban blues with overtones of jazz. Missing, however, are two sides that Martin cut with her Brown-Skin Syncopators in November 1922; the group included pianist and future bandleader Claude Hopkins and two men with ties to young Duke Ellington: trumpeter Arthur Whetsol and banjoist Elmer Snowden. An even more conspicuous gap is represented by the absence of four songs with backing by young pianist Thomas "Fats" Waller recorded in December 1922. Her collaborations with Waller, which are among the earliest known recordings by either artist, have been reissued under his name, most notably perhaps on JSP's Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1. Why they weren't included here is a real puzzler. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Sara Martin–    Sugar Blues    2:59
2.    Sara Martin–    Achin' Hearted Blues    3:15
3.    Sara Martin–    Keeps On A-Rainin' (Papa, He Can't Make No Time)    2:54
4.    Sara Martin–    Joe Turner Blues    2:53
5.    Sara Martin–    Michigan Water Blues    3:07
6.    Sara Martin–    If Your Man Is Like My Man (I Sympathize With You)    2:42
7.    Sara Martin - Shelton Brooks–    I Got What It Takes To Bring You Back 3:10
Piano, Speech – Shelton Brooks
Vocals – Sara Martin
8.    Sara Martin - Shelton Brooks–    Original Blues 3:14
Piano, Speech – Shelton Brooks
Vocals – Sara Martin
9.    Sara Martin–    Come Home Papa Blues 2:50
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Banjo – Unknown Artist
Cornet [Poss.] – Tick Gray
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – W. C. Handy's Orchestra
Piano – Charlie Hillman
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Sylvester Bevard
Vocals – Sara Martin
10.    Sara Martin–    It Takes A Long Time To Get 'em But You Can Lose 'em Overnight 2:27 
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Banjo – Unknown Artist
Cornet [Poss.] – Tick Gray*
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – W. C. Handy's Orchestra
Piano – Charlie Hillman
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Sylvester Bevard
Vocals – Sara Martin
11.    Sara Martin–    Laughin' Cryin' Blues 2:54
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Banjo – Unknown Artist
Cornet [Poss.] – Tick Gray
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – W. C. Handy's Orchestra
Piano – Charlie Hillman
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Sylvester Bevard
Vocals – Sara Martin
12.    Sara Martin–    Cruel Backbitin' Blues    3:23
13.    Sara Martin–    Leave My Sweet Daddy Alone    2:51
14.    Sara Martin - Clarence Williams–    Monkey Man Blues 3:24
Piano [Prob.] – Clarence Johnson 
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Sara Martin
15.    Sara Martin - Eva Taylor–    Yodeling Blues    3:00
16.    Sara Martin–    Where Can That Somebody Be    3:07
17.    Sara Martin–    Just Thinkin' Blues    2:57
18.    Sara Martin–    If You Don't Like It, Leave    2:59
19.    Sara Martin–    Nobody In Town Can Bake A Sweet Jelly Roll Like Mine    3:03
20.    Sara Martin - Eva Taylor–    That Free And Easy Papa O'Mine    2:54
21.    Sara Martin - Eva Taylor–    Hesitation Blues    3:19
22.    Sara Martin–    Tired O'Waitin' Blues    3:08
23.    Sara Martin–    You Just Can't Have No One Man By Yourself    2:46
24.    Sara Martin–    Goin' Down To The Levee    2:51 

SARA MARTIN — In Chronological Order Volume 2 (1923-1924) DOCD-5396 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Based on the music that Sara Martin recorded at the beginning of her career (and released on Vol. 1 of this four-CD series), she was primarily a superior vaudevillian performer. However, Vol. 2 shows that Martin was actually an even better blues singer. In general, the material that she recorded had improved by mid 1923, as had her singing, and there are many gems among the 23 songs included on this disc. Martin is accompanied on the first seven selections by pianist Clarence Williams, is joined on four numbers by small groups led by Williams (and including cornetist Tom Morris and soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet), is backed by pianist Porter Grainger on six songs and then, most intriguingly, performs duets with Sylvester Weaver (heard on two numbers apiece on guitar and banjo). Other than the band numbers, the focus throughout is mostly exclusively on the singer who is heard in prime form on such tunes as "New Orleans Hop Scop Blues," "Mistreated Mama Blues," "Slow Down Sweet Papa, Mama's Catching Up with You" and "Everybody's Got the Blues." Formerly rare music that is both historical and quite strong for the period. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Sara Martin–    Ye Shall Reap Just What You Sow  2:48
Piano – Clarence Williams
2.    Sara Martin–    New Orleans Hop Scop Blues 2:52
Piano – Clarence Williams
3.    Sara Martin–    Uncle Sam Blues  3:04
Piano – Clarence Williams
4.    Sara Martin–    Sweet Man Was The Cause Of It All  2:51
Piano – Clarence Williams
5.    Sara Martin–    Sympathizing Blues 3:01
Piano – Clarence Williams
6.    Sara Martin–    Mistreated Mama  3:05
Piano – Clarence Williams
7.    Sara Martin–    Runnin' 'Round With The Blues  3:07
Piano – Clarence Williams
8.    Sara Martin And Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Blind Man Blues 3:06 
Banjo – Buddy Christian
Cornet – Tom Morris
Orchestra – Clarence Williams' Blue Five
Piano – Clarence Williams
Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet
Trombone – John Mayfield 
9.    Sara Martin, Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Atlanta Blues 2:52
Banjo – Buddy Christian
Cornet – Tom Morris
Orchestra – Clarence Williams' Blue Five
Piano – Clarence Williams
Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet
Trombone – John Mayfield 
10.    Sara Martin–    My Good Man's Blues (Mahalia's Blues) 2:47
Piano – Porter Grainger
11.    Sara Martin–    Jelly's Blues  3:22
Piano – Porter Grainger
12.    Sara Martin–    Troubled Blues 2:56
Piano – Porter Grainger
13.    Sara Martin–    I'm Satisfied  2:43
Piano – Porter Grainger
14.    Sara Martin–    Blue Gum Blues  2:57
Piano – Porter Grainger
15.    Sara Martin–    Slow Down Sweet Papa Mama's Catching Up With You 3:01
Piano – Porter Grainger
16.    Sara Martin–    Graveyard Dream Blues 3:08
Accompanied By – Clarence Williams' Harmonizing Four
Banjo – Buddy Christian
Cornet – Tom Morris
Piano – Clarence Williams
Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet
17.    Sara Martin–    A Green Gal Can't Catch On (Blues) 3:38
Accompanied By – Clarence Williams' Harmonizing Four
Banjo – Buddy Christian
Cornet – Tom Morris
Piano – Clarence Williams
Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet
18.    Sara Martin–    Longing For Daddy Blues 3:03
Guitar – Sylvester Weaver
19.    Sara Martin–    I've Got To Go And Leave My Daddy Behind 2:40
Guitar – Sylvester Weaver
20.    Sara Martin–    Roamin' Blues 2:56
Guitar – Sylvester Weaver
21.    Sara Martin–    Good-Bye Blues 3:12
Guitar – Sylvester Weaver
22.    Sara Martin–    Everybody's Got The Blues 3:19
Banjo – Sylvester Weaver
23.    Sara Martin–    My Man Blues 3:19
Banjo – Sylvester Weaver
Credits : 
Vocals – Sara Martin
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Liner Notes – Pen Bogert
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely