Between 1923 and 1928 Ma Rainey recorded and released 92 unique titles for Paramount Records. This (5) five compact disc collection will come as a revelation: the best-known copies of Ma Rainey’s entire recorded output, including rarely heard and scarce alternate takes and test pressings, have been assembled and painstakingly transferred and restored by renowned audio engineer Doug Benson. Together with obscure photographs and other rare documents, Ma Rainey’s essence is far clearer than ever. ~David Sager

She birthed a sisterhood with music that was grounded in folk blues combined with vaudeville stylings. These women introduced vocal techniques that gave drama and immediacy to their performances. They would cry, growl, moan, syncopate, slide & slur, bend & break notes, improvise & rephrase to bring their stories to life. Often, they were the comediennes—finding humor in the pain. Many, like Ma and Bessie, were fiercely independent “wild women” — unashamed and unafraid. ~Gaye Todd Adegbalola

The current collection before you is by far the most superior transfer of Ma Rainey’s to ever be released on disc. ~Dom Flemons