Female Blues Singers: Complete Recorded Works: Vol. 10 (1923-29). CD

This is one of the strongest sets in this 14-CD series. The disc has all of the recordings released under the names of classic blues singers Nellie Hite, Jane Howard, Bertha Idaho, Mary Jackson, Sadie Jackson, Zaidee Jackson, and Elnora Johnson, along with two of the four selections led by Caroline Johnson. Some of these names are pseudonyms, with Nellie Hite actually being Mattie Hite (whose other work was reissued on Vol. 9), Jane Howard probably being the same person as Miss Frankie (who is otherwise covered in Vol. 6), Zaidee and Sadie Jackson most likely being the same singer, and Elnora Johnson possibly being another name for Alberta Hunter! In general, the music is of pretty high quality, particularly the four enjoyable numbers by Bertha Idaho (a Bessie Smith-type singer who should have gained fame and a much more extensive recording career). Sidemen along the way include cornetists Tom Morris and Ed Allen, pianists Clarence Williams and Fletcher Henderson, Perry Bradford's Jazz Phools, and (on the two Sadie Jackson numbers) the great James P. Johnson. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Full title: Female Blues Singers: Complete Recorded Works: Vol. 10 (1923-29).

Personnel: Bertha Idaho, Jane Howard, Carol Johnson , Mary Jackson (vocals); Sam Speed (banjo); Garvin Bushell (clarinet, alto saxophone); Ed Allen, Gus Aiken, Tom Morris , Thomas Morris (cornet); Bud Aiken (trombone); Clarence Williams, Leroy Tibbs, James P. Johnson & his Orchestra, Fletcher Henderson, Bob Ricketts, James P. Johnson, Mike Jackson (piano).

Audio Remasterer: Gerhard Wessely.

Liner Note Author: Dr. David Evans .

Recording information: Chicago, IL (??/??/1923-05/29/1029); N.Y.C., NY (??/??/1923-05/29/1029).

Ensemble: Perry Bradford's Jazz Phools.