Origins

Alberta Hunter was a successful jazz vocalist when jazz was just getting started back in the 1920s, and continued to be one of the jazz greats until the 1950s when she left music for a new career. With most artists, when they are out of the loop for that long, and attempt a come back, we expect that they sacrifice their dignity in an attempt to regain their lost youth. This album, recorded in 1978 when Hunter was 83 years old, is the testament of a true artist who is able to portray her medium just as effortlessly, if not more effortlessly, than when she was in her 20s. Check out the lyrics on the title track.

Amtrak Blues

Jessie Mae Hemphill was a Mississippi native, and therefore, plays some real country blues. Defying tradition, Hemphill sang original material, accompanying herself on the electric guitar, and playing tambourine with her foot. This collection gathers material from her two HighWater albums, plus four previously unreleased tracks. Check out my personal favorite track, "Streamline Train" and "Lord, Help the Poor and Needy" - then be sure to tell folks what country is all about.

Shake It Baby