Wild About That Thing: Ladies Sing Classic Blues CD

The high rating for this compilation of Chicago blues women comes not from its star power -- clearly Koko Taylor is missing, at the very least -- but for its sheer power and the consistent quality of its performances. Assembled as part of Delmark's 50th Anniversary celebration, Wild About That Thang contains 13 burning tracks from the marginal -- Mary Johnson with the Dixie Stompers in two previously unissued performances from 1955 -- to the legendary -- Dinah Washington from 1945, with a Delmark recording featuring Charles Mingus, Lucky Thompson, and Milt Jackson in the band -- and everything in between. Thematically and stylistically, this set covers all the bases as well, from the hardcore electric Chicago blues on Big Time Sarah's "Long Tall Daddy," to the risqué, low-key, jazz blues of Blue Lu Barker's "Don't You Feel My Leg," and the bawdy Dixieland swing of Katherine Davis' version of the title track. But the single greatest accomplishment of this comp is how much it showcases current and recent blues singers form the Windy City. We might never have heard of the neo-trad high styles of Grana Louise, Davis, the spine-shaking soul-blues of Zora Young, or the tough and tender Karen Carroll without it. 13 fantastic cuts, a budget price, and the opportunity to learn something -- what more could you want? ~ Thom Jurek

Women blues singers have been recording since the 1920s, long before electric instruments were added to the mix. This CD features the classic style of blues singing accompanied by acoustic instruments, including lots of horn solos. Includes songs by Dina

Recording information: 04/26/1944-07/16/2002.

Personnel: Edith Wilson, Mary Johnson, Karen Carroll, Shirley Johnson , Zora Young, Betty Roché, Bonnie Lee (vocals); Danny Barker , Emery H. Williams, Willie J. Davis, James Wheeler, Maurice John Vaughn (guitar); Jack Kuncl, Ikey Robinson (banjo); Billy Branch (harmonica); Norrie Cox, Oliver Alcorn, Frank Powers (clarinet); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Flip Phillips, Hank Ford, Teddy McRae (tenor saxophone); Willie Henderson (baritone saxophone); Don Franz (trumpet, tuba); Ray Nance, Shad Collins, Kenny Anderson (trumpet); Bob Neighbor (cornet); Roy Rubenstein, Jim Haislip, Preston Jackson (trombone); John Chapman , Ken Saydak, Kenny Barker, Little Brother Montgomery, Earl Hines (piano); Roosevelt Purifoy (organ); Baldhead Pete, Red Saunders , Big Sid Catlett, Tim Austin, Wayne Jones (drums).

Liner Note Author: Bob Koester.