The Bessie Smith Songbook

• Artist: Dinah Washington
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1958
• Total Time: 35:23
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Vocal Music

Review

It was only natural that the "Queen of the Blues" should record songs associated with the "Empress of the Blues." The performances by the septet/octet do not sound like the 1920s and the purposely ricky-tick drumming is insulting, but Dinah Washington sounds quite at home on this music. "Trombone Butter" (featuring trombonist Quentin Jackson in Charlie Green's role), "You've Been a Good Ole Wagon," "After You've Gone" and "Back Water Blues" are highpoints as she overcomes the cornball arrangements. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
After You've Gone	Henry Creamer, Turner Layton	Dinah Washington	(3:39)
Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair	George Brooks, Fletcher Henderson	Dinah Washington	(3:17)
Jailhouse Blues	Bessie Smith, Clarence Williams	Dinah Washington	(3:12)
Trombone Butter	Fletcher Henderson	Dinah Washington	(3:31)
You've Been a Good Old Wagon	Perry Bradford	Dinah Washington	(4:02)
Careless Love	W.C. Handy, Martha E. Koenig, Spencer Williams	Dinah Washington	(3:37)
Backwater Blues	Bessie Smith	Dinah Washington	(5:00)
If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)	James P. Johnson, Henry Creamer	Dinah Washington	(2:49)
Me and My Gin	Harry Burke	Dinah Washington	(3:11)
Fine Fat Daddy	Dinah Washington	Dinah Washington	(3:05)

Credits

Dennis Drake (Digital Remastering), Tom Hughes (Design), Dan Morgenstern (Liner Notes), James Slaughter (Drums), Flip Ricard (Trumpet), Jack Wilson (Piano), Quentin Jackson (Trombone), Eddie Chamblee (Sax (Tenor)), Herman Leonard (Photography), Robert Edmondson (Bass), Robare Edmonson (Arranger), Charles Davis (Sax (Baritone)), Clark Terry (Trumpet), Eddie Chamblee & Orchestra (?), Dinah Washington (Vocals), Ernie Wilkins (Arranger), James Craig (Piano), Fortunatua P. Richard (Trumpet), Richard Seidel (Reissue Producer), Julian Priester (Trombone), McKinley Easton (Sax (Baritone)), Robert Lee Wilson (Bass), Gene Easton (Sax (Baritone))