Blues worth collecting

The Blues Collection
CD or cassette
In fortnightly parts
Orbis
$8.95
Reviewed by Graham Matthews

The Blues Collection is a series of CD or cassette recordings of Blues music. Produced in fortnightly parts, it traces the history of this genre, from traditional to contemporary singers.

Each issue has a CD, with 15 or more songs by the featured artist. A magazine is included which builds a picture of the influences and the life and times of the performer.

The collection provides a significant library of Blues music, with a variety of well-known names, as well of some that I had previously not heard of.

Of the first few weeks offerings, my pick is Bessie Smith: The Empress of the Blues (Number 9). This CD has some magnificent songs spanning the length of Bessie's career. The music is dreamy; the recording is not exactly digitally remastered, but has a really authentic feel.

The magazine for Smith traces her up and down career, as well as revealing parts of the real person. All in all it's a great listen, a good read and money well spent. If the rest of the collection lives up to this one, it will prove to be dynamite Blues.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
For further details regarding subscriptions and
correspondence please contact glw@greenleft.org.au

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