Elzadie Robinson Complete Works, Vol. 1 (1926-1928) CD

Elzadie Robinson was never too famous. One of many female classic blues singers in the 1920s who had opportunities to record, Robinson recorded 34 songs from 1926-29; all of those titles plus five alternate takes are included on a pair of Document CDs. Volume 1 has the first 22 performances, counting four alternates). In most cases, the singer is backed by pianist Will Ezell. Two numbers apiece have either pianist Bob Call or guitarist Johnny St. Cyr in Ezell's place. In addition, there are two selections in 1926 with such players as either B.T. Wingfield or Shirley Clay on cornet, Tiny Parham or Richard M. Jones on piano and a couple other players. In 1928, for two versions apiece of "Pay Day Daddy Blues" and "Elzadie's Policy Blues," Robinson is joined by clarinetist Johnny Dodds, guitarist Blind Blake and either pianist Jimmy Blythe or Jimmy Bertrand on xylophone. Elzadie Robinson had an effective voice, although she was not on the same level as the giants of the era; the recording quality of some of these titles (particularly the alternates and earlier titles) is streaky. The best numbers are "Humming Blues," "Houston Bound," "Tick Tock Blues," "The Santa Claus Crave," "St. Louis Cyclone Blues" and the selections with Dodds. Not essential music, but this set should greatly interest vintage blues collectors. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel includes: Elzadie Robinson (vocals); Blind Blake (guitar); Johnny St. Cyr (guitar, banjo); Johnny Dodds (clarinet); Will Ezell, Tiny Parham, Jimmy Blythe, Bob Call (piano).

Living Blues (1-2/95, p.93) - "...Her music stands between country and classic blues....Robinson's traditional lyrics show an absence of the risque material common in blues of that period....Elzadie Robinson was an accomplished, journeywoman blues singer. For a blues ban whose collection has moved beyond obvious purchases, this disc is worth buying."