Etta James Her Best CD

While several best-ofs from Etta James' Chess period have been available over the years -- with the two-disc, 44-track Essential Etta James at the top of the list in giving the big picture -- this 20-track collection sweats that bigger picture down to bare essentials. For those wishing to finally sample Etta's classic period at Chess without opening the wallet for box set expense, this single-disc retrospective will fill the bill quite nicely. Featuring 20 of the tracks that appear on the double-disc Essential anthology without anything literally essential left off, this scintillating little disc now officially becomes the one-stop, first-time purchase in connecting with the emotional greatness inherent in Etta's siren song. There's plenty more after this to discover, but this is absolutely where you start. ~ Cub Koda

Digitally remastered collection from the Blues great, part of Chess' 50th Anniversary Collection series. Unlike many other artists of her genre, Etta James has lived her music, making her an expert on the Blues. Although she is best known for being one of the finest Blues belters around, she has also recorded incredible R&B, Jazz and Pop tunes that make grown men weep. This 20 track compilation features 'At Last', 'Trust In Me', 'If I Can't Have You', 'Next Door To The Blues' and many others. Etta is betta so you betta get some Etta! Chess.

This is part of Chess' 50th Anniversary Collection series.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Personnel includes: Etta James (vocals); Harvey Fuqua, Sugar Pie DeSanto.

Personnel: Etta James (vocals); Jimmy Johnson , David T. Walker, Ken Marco, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Albert Lowe (guitar); Floyd Newman, James Mitchell , Aaron Varnell, Charles Chalmers (saxophone); Gavrell Cooper (tenor saxophone); Gene Miller (trumpet); Dewey Oldham (piano, organ); George Davis, John Young (piano); Vonzell Cooper, Carl Banks, Barry Beckett (organ); William D. "Smitty" Smith (keyboards); David Hood (electric bass); Roger Dawkins, Kenny Rice, Richard Waters, Freeman Brown, Al Duncan (drums); King Errisson (congas).

Liner Note Author: Peter Grendysa.

Recording information: Chicago, IL (01/??/1960-06/19/1970); L.A., CA (01/??/1960-06/19/1970); Muscle Shoals, AL (01/??/1960-06/19/1970); New Era Club, Nashville, TN (01/??/1960-06/19/1970).

Photographers: Ray Avery; Jim Marshall .

Unknown Contributor Role: Erick Labson.

Arranger: Riley Hampton.Down Beat (8/97, p.60) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...this one is a keeper.... over the course of a 20-song program, we hear James during two stays on Chess..."