Complete Recordings, Vol. 2 (1924-1925)
The Complete Recordings Volume 2
Bessie Smith even on the evidence of her earliest recordings, well deserved the title "Empress of the Blues" for in the 1920s there was no one in her league for emotional intensity, honest blues feeling, and power. The second of five volumes (the first four are two-CD sets) finds her accompaniment improving rapidly with such sympathetic sidemen as trombonist Charlie Green cornetist Joe Smith and clarinetist Buster Bailey often helping her out. However, they are overshadowed by Louis Armstrong whose two sessions with Smith (nine songs in all) fall into the time period of this second set; particularly classic are their versions of "St. Louis Blues," "Careless Love Blues," and "I Ain't Goin' to Play Second Fiddle." Other gems on this essential set include "Cake Walkin' Babies From Home," "The Yellow Dog Blues," and "At the Christmas Ball." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
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Credits »
Bessie Smith - Main Performer
Steven Berkowitz - Coordination
Chris Albertson - Liner Notes
Mike Berniker - Coordination
Tim Geelan - Remastering
John Berg - Art Direction
Lawrence Cohn - ?
Lawrence Cohn - Series Producer
Penny Armstrong - Coordination
Tony Tiller - Package Coordinator
Pete Cenedella - Package Coordinator
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