Don't Fish in My Sea (2004)

About this title: By no means a definitive compilation, Don't Fish in My Sea is nonetheless a fine one, offerings songs from all six of Ma Rainey's years as a recording artist -- 1923-1928 (she had been a performer for a decade before she ever recorded and continued performing six years after putting her last side on cylinder). All of these sides were recorded for Paramount and contain some of her finest moments -- an early, pre-Lucille Bogan version of "Shave 'Em Dry," "Bad Luck Blues," "Hoot Owl," and 14 more. The sound quality here is acceptable and the performances are among the most vital of the early ... read more

Tracks:

1. Bad Luck Blues [Austin]
2. Daddy Goodbye Blues [Rainey]
3. See See Rider [Traditional]
4. Sleep Talking Blues [Rainey]
5. Yonder Come the Blues [Rainey]
6. Ma and Pa Poorhouse Blues [Rainey/Jackson]
7. Jealous Hearted Blues [Austin]
8. Trust No Man [Henderson]
9. Toad Frog Blues [Suddoth]
10. Farewell Daddy Blues [Suddoth]
11. Black Cat Hoot Owl [Dorsey]
12. Morning Hour Blues [Rainey/Smith]
13. Don't Fish in My Sea [Rainey/Smith]
14. Mountain Jack Blues, No. 1 [Harris]
15. Mountain Jack Blues, No. 3 [Harris]
16. Shave 'Em Dry [Jackson/Rainey]
17. Big Feeling Blues [Jackson/Rainey]
18. Little Low Mama Blues [Rainey]
19. Black Eye Blues [Rainey]
20. Night Time Blues [Dorsey]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.