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Ball n' Chain
Lightnin'
Hopkins, Big
Mama Thornton
Product
Details
Audio CD (November 30, 1993)
Original Release
Date:
1968
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Arhoolie Records
No Ball & Chain Draggin' Down This Lady, May 30, 2007
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By |
When Janis Joplin electrified the folk/blues scene with her
incredibly propelled version of Big Mama Thorton's "Ball &
Chain," I really wanted to hear more from the source. Unfortunately it
wasn't until recently that I listened to this CD that features "Ball &
Chain." I was surprised at the high quality of the entire CD--and also a
little surprised how "modern" Willie Mae "Big Mama" sounded
on the CD. I don't know, I guess I was expecting more in the line of an
anthology, archival performance in the way of Bessie Smith recordings (and I am
serious Bessie Smith fan too.)
Willie Mae originated "Hound Dog" that was later such a hit for
Elvis. Elvis' version is great, but I prefer the original.
Legendary Muddy Waters accompanies on five tunes.
As for "Ball & Chain," you can really hear the influence the
original had on Janis Joplin--and how Janis also made it her own.
This is CD is hardcore blues delivered in Big Mama's light, almost delicate
style.
No, there's nothing "almost" about it. Big Mama Thorton's blues
phraseology is both strong & unequivocally delicate.
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thorton is one of the blues Greats, sharing the
galaxy with other blues/jazz devas like Billie Holiday & Etta James.
Jail
Big
Mama Thornton in Europe
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Review: JEFarrow
Updated 11/07