Various

The work of early female blues singers has often been overlooked in comparison to their male counterparts, but with the recent discoveries of records by artists such as Geeshie Wiley, Elvie Thomas and others there’s more than enough evidence that women could hold their own with the likes of Charlie Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson. This compilation sheds more light than ever before on previously unknown female artists and should be praised as an amazing piece of musical archaeology on its own. But what comes across most is the often forgotten sexual openness of the era, as nearly all of these women show great skill at delivering double entendres, or simply stating the facts, as on Margaret Carter’s "I Need Plenty Grease In My Frying Pan,” or Lucille Bogan’s "Tricks Ain’t Walking Anymore.” Of course, the use of 78-rpm sources leaves something to be desired sonically, but the digital transfers are good, for the most part. The inclusion of backing musicians such as Fats Waller, Cow Cow Davenport and Tampa Red also provide extra incentive for old time fans, but that should hardly be necessary in order to enjoy this treasure trove of fascinating new additions to the early blues canon.