Search - Bertha Hill :: Complete Works 1

A superb 1920's by-way

Peter Gordon | Canberra, ACT Australia | 07/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chippie Hill was one of the lesser known of the classic 1920's blues singers, but this excellent reissue amply demonstrates that she loses only a little by comparison with Ma Rainey or even the magnificent Bessie Smith. The most memorable tracks are the ten on which she is accompanied by Louis Armstrong, whose obligatos and solos are respectively sensitive and utterly commanding. These alone justify purchase, but there's a variety of other treasures, including apppearances by Georgia Tom on piano with Tampa Red's guitar, a track with Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, and several small band settings anchored by Richard M. Jones' piano. Sound quality is as good as could be hoped, playing time is generous, and full discographic details are given.Strongly recommended. "Trouble in Mind ","Pleadin' for the Blues" and " Pratt City Blues" are among the greatest and most moving blues of this or indeed any other decade."

The lady who introduced the jazz standard "Trouble In Mind"

Mr. Dixieland | 10/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bertha Chippie Hill was not only one of the finest blues singers from the 1920's, she was also one of the only singers to make a complete comeback in the 1940's, she kept recording and performing until her accidental death, when she got hit by a car in 1950. Hill was not only a fine blues singer, she could handle hot numbers, torch songs, ballads, and swingers too. This very talented and versitile singer introduced a number of classic jazz standards most notable "Trouble In Mind." This CD pretty much covers her output of the 20's. She worked with many top jazz musicians like Lovie Austin & Jimmie Noone. She was rediscovered by writer Rudi Blesh in 1946, working in a bakery. Appearances on Blesh's "This Is Jazz" radio series resulted in her coming back to the music scene, performing at the Village Vanguard, Jimmy Ryan's and even appearing at Carnegie Hall in 1948 with Kid Ory. She sang at the Paris Jazz Festival, worked with Art Hodes in Chicago and was back in prime form in 1950, right before her freak accident death. on this great CD she is backed by the best jazzmen like Louis Armstrong, Shirley Clay, Georgia Tom Dorsey, Tampa Red and Punch Miller. This CD seems to be the only one in print, so pick it up. Hill also recorded nine selections on two dates in 1946 with Lee Collins, Lovie Austin, Baby Dodds and Montana Taylor, which will hopefully someday be reissued. This CD is however highly recomended."