Similar Albums:
Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1923),
Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1926-1927),
Virtuoso Guitar 1925-1934,
Do That Guitar Rag (1928-1935),
King of the Delta Blues,
Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1928),
Mississippi Girls (1928-1931),
Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1935-1941),
San Antonio to Dallas: 1936-1937,
Complete Recorded Works (1928-1929)
- Artist: Victoria Spivey
- Rating:
- Release Date: 2000
- Type: Compilation (best of)
- Genre: Blues
Review
The first of four Document CDs that contain all of singer Victoria Spivey's pre-war recordings has her first 23 sides. Spivey made her initial reputation with her series of dark blues that were full of symbolism, such as her trademark "Black Snake Blues" -- snakes and tuberculosis were common topics in her lyrics. Her first four selections were recorded in St. Louis from May 11-13, 1926 (she was 19 at the time); she then relocated to New York. Spivey is heard backed by several ensembles led by pianist John Erby in August 1926 (including her first meetings with guitarist Lonnie Johnson) and on five pieces in October 1927 with Johnson and pianist Porter Grainger. By the time the latter sides were recorded, her style was becoming a little more lighthearted and softer but no less powerful. Among the highlights of this superior set are "Black Snake Blues," "Hoodoo Man Blues," "Spider Web Blues," "Got the Blues So Bad," "The Alligator Pond Went Dry," "T.B. Blues," and "Garter Snake Blues." This is highly recommended, as are the other three CDs in this important series. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music GuideTracks
| Track Title | Composers | Performers | Time |
| Black Snake Blues | King Oliver, Bessie Smith, Lil Johnson, Lonnie Johnson, Victoria Spivey, Clifton Chenier, Jesse Johnson, Traditional | Victoria Spivey | (3:08) |
| Dirty Woman's Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:10) | |
| Long Gone Blues | Billie Holiday | Victoria Spivey | (3:05) |
| No More Jelly Bean Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:18) | |
| Hoodoo Man Blues | Junior Wells, Traditional | Victoria Spivey | (2:40) |
| Spider Web Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:03) | |
| It's Evil Hearted Me | Victoria Spivey | (2:55) | |
| Santa Fe Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:21) | |
| Humored and Petted Blues | Victoria Spivey | (2:27) | |
| Big Houston Blues | Victoria Spivey | (2:45) | |
| Got the Blues So Bad | Lonnie Johnson, Victoria Spivey | Victoria Spivey | (3:02) |
| Blue Valley Blues | Victoria Spivey | (2:53) | |
| Steady Grind Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:27) | |
| Idle Hour Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:01) | |
| Arkansas Road Blues | Victoria Spivey | Victoria Spivey | (3:20) |
| The Alligator Pond Went Dry | Victoria Spivey | Victoria Spivey | (2:44) |
| No. 12 Let Me Roam | Victoria Spivey | (3:32) | |
| T.B. Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:15) | |
| Garter Snake Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:17) | |
| Christmas Morning Blues | Lonnie Johnson | Victoria Spivey | (3:28) |
| Dope Head Blues | Victoria Spivey | Victoria Spivey | (3:21) |
| Red Lantern Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:11) | |
| Blood Thirsty Blues | Victoria Spivey | (3:03) |
