BESSIE SMITH 'The Very Best of' LP

Bessie Smith dominated what has become known as 'cLassic blues'. Living every day as though it were her last was hardly conducive to a long life, but it gave the singer experience of suffering which she brought out in her singing. Not that Bessie was lacking in humour; the recordings of more comic material are every bit as red blooded as her articulation of disillusionment and hurt.