Search - Big Mama Thornton :: Ball N' Chain

Excellent Blues

08/06/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Big Mama" is truly a legend. I've listened to this CD many many many times and each times I'm surprised by how much I enjoy it. There are several slower tunes, but if you've got the rhythm in your soul I don't think you'll be disappointed (in particular "Wade in the Water"). I myself enjoy hearing different versions of different songs so i found BB King's Sweet Little Angel (I don't know if it was his originally but that's where I knew it from) and the Janis Joplin standard Ball and Chain to be wonderful.On that note - Ball and Chain is - as thornton does it - a different and nonetheless amazing song."

The classic 1960's Arhoolie sessions!

RockabillyMania | rockabilly city | 05/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although these are not as powerful as her Peacock recordings of teh 50's, one should not overlook her Arhoolie sides fro mthe mid 60's(to late 60's). Ball b' Chail is a classic, as well as the Gospel tinged Wade In The Water and Sweet Little Angel(covered fro meveryone from BB King to Etta James). This is a powerfu lset of rockin' blues, and a couple of slower ones too ,but for the most part this is great jump blues and the msuic swings, stomps, and jumps, as well as rocks! Even the slower stuff rocks! Big Mama dodn't recrd too much that wasn't worth listening to ,and aside from her Peacock recordingd. these are her msot essential sides, and are a major highlight of a long lustrious career as a blues diva! Also Mama Thornton has influenced everyone from rock singer Janis Joplin to new blues diva Candye Kane. Thornton was a powerful singer, and this cd should not be overlooked, and should be essential to blues fans. Even myself, strictly a fan of rockabilly music, love all of Thornton's work from the 50's and 60s'."

Best of Traditional Blues

Truth | DC | 01/10/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was much more than the originator of "Hound Dog" - she was one of the greatest Blues singers. She could be fun and sassy, and could also be plaintive and emotional. After Bessie Smith and before Koko Taylor, there was Big Mama Thornton.



BALL `N' CHAIN consists of 16 songs recorded 1965-1968 (tracks 1-8 in 1965; 9-14 in 1966; 15 & 16 in 1968). Disc packaged in black jewel case; total running time: 61:50. Booklet includes an essay by Chris Strachwitz, several black & white photos, and track information (songwriter credits, musician personnel, recording dates). Sound quality is good.



These are re-recordings of songs Thornton had previously recorded, including "Ball N' Chain", a song that was notably recorded by Janis Joplin. Tracks 1-8 feature Buddy Guy on Guitar. Tracks 9-14 recorded with Muddy Waters Blues Band (and also issued on Arhoolie's 2004 release "Big Mama Thornton with the Muddy Waters Blues Band - 1966"). Noteworthy are Thornton's complaints on "Unlucky Girl" about being followed by the FBI everywhere she goes.



This may be the Blues, but it is a joy to listen to. Thornton sings Blues ballads and fun up-tempo songs. I hesitate to call it "country Blues" because it just seems too sophisticated to be called that. Whatever it is, it's beautiful.



"