It’s a brave and brilliant refocusing of Bessie Smith energies, virtually a rebirth. While no new Bessie Smith album is in sight, the artist has been road testing new songs during 1995 tour in North America. This disc has all of the essential Bessie Smith classics. Blue Spirit Blues touched my soul like nothing else.
I loved Blue Spirit Blues the first time I heard it. No Bessie Smith song has come close to capturing my attention as Kitchen Man did. Album opener Foolish Man Blues is a bright, upbeat ditty. This is one of those tracks that should not be judged after the first hearing. I like to sing along with Devils Gonna Get You, though I mess up the lyrics sometimes. Send Me To The Lectric Chair - A classic Bessie Smith track. Im Wild At That Thing is filled with very deep emotions that will truly touch your heart. Youve Got To Give Me Some is a excellent sing-along. After about the third Standing In The Rain Blues listen through, I began to believe this song is Bessie Smith’s essence. Simple and heartfelt closing track Hes Got Me Goin closes Blue Spirit Blues on a high note. Do Your Duty is pretty funky and mellow. It took me a little time but I ended up loving Dyin By The Hour. Lock And Key rocked my world when I popped it into my car stereo. Gimme A Pigfoot is an incredible song that has everything it needs to be another favorite track. Take Me For A Buggy Ride is a romantic if not formulaic ditty. I Used To Be Your Sweet Mama - For me, this is the best of the album. A great put together song. The sound of Alexanders Ragtime Band is difficult to describe, as it seems to squirm in a sensual manner, unlike anything ever created. This is one hell of a track.
Blue Spirit Blues CD


