What The Critics Say
Sippie Wallace's first album in 15 years, and -- other than two slightly later albums for the German Vagabond label with pianist Axel Zwingenberger -- her final recording, finds the last surviving classic blues singer of the 1920s (along with Alberta Hunter who would pass away two years later) doing her best at the age of 83. Blues/pop star Bonnie Raitt had long loved Wallace's music and helped Sippie return to music after her 1970 stroke; she also influenced Atlantic to record the ancient blues veteran. Unfortunately, by 1982, Wallace's voice was considerably weaker than it had been in the 1920s or even in 1966 for a Storyville album. This date (which has been reissued on CD) has its historic value and charm, but is actually more highly recommended for the heated playing of Sippie's backup group, pianist Jim Dapogny's Chicago Jazz Band. The octet features superior stride piano from the leader and a strong frontline consisting of cornetist Paul Klinger, trombonist Bob Smith and Russ Whitman and Peter Ferran on reeds. Sippie Wallace revives some of her best-known 1920s numbers ("Woman Be Wise," "Up the Country Blues," "Mighty Tight Woman" and "Suitcase Blues") and performs a few vintage standards too. Still, get this CD for the musicians rather than for the spirited but fading singer. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although Sippie Wallace had begun recording again in 1958 after a long absence (just two 1945 numbers were cut after 1929), she had only recorded a total of 11 selections (including three songs a week earlier in 1966) when she made this album, her definitive LP of her later years. Sixty-eight at the time, Sippie was still a powerful singer, as she shows here on such numbers as "Woman Be Wise," "Shorty George Blues," "I'm a Mighty Tight Woman," and "Up the Country Blues." On the latter song, Wallace accompanied herself on piano; otherwise she is backed by either Roosevelt Sykes or Little Brother Montgomery on piano. Other than a 1967 album for the forgotten Mountain Railroad label that also included Jim Kweskin's Jug Band and Otis Spann, her highly recommended Storyville outing was Sippie Wallace's only full-length set during this period. When she cut her next record in 1982, the singer was way past her prime. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Recorded on Halloween night, 1966, in Copenhagen, Denmark, this one of the few great "blues rediscovery" albums that comes by its reputation honestly. With Roosevelt Sykes and Little Brother Montgomery sharing the piano stool, Sippie clearly shows that the intervening years had, indeed, been kind to her, belting out one great tune after another. Listing highlights is superfluous, simply because every track's a gem. The no-frills production is warm and cozy enough to make you feel like you're hearing the world's greatest one-woman concert right in your living room. And you're glad you bought a ticket. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
